Date: 17th November 2019 at 11:58pm
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Roy Keane says Declan Rice needs to improve on his game if he is to become an England regular.

The 20-year-old has earned a lot of praise for his performances for West Ham United over the last couple of seasons.

Rice’s form in the Hammers’ midfield has seen him heavily linked with a big-money transfer to Manchester United.

However, ahead of the Three Lions’ match with Kosovo, former Red Devils captain Keane says he feels the London-born player needs to work a lot on his game.

Rice won his first England cap against Czech Republic in March.

“Well, where he needs to improve, there’s plenty of aspects,” the United legend said on ITV.

“When you think about him, over the last few months he’s had a lot of praise.

“I’ve looked at him pretty closely, I’ve worked with him when he was with the Irish squad.

“Where he needs to improve, where do you want me to start? His positional play, I don’t think he’s been consistent enough, he doesn’t stay with runners, he’s sloppy in possession, I can go on.

“He’s one of these players I think a couple of months ago people were enjoying him and loved him but he’s one of these players that has almost played his way out of the team because he’s not been consistent at West Ham.

“He’s got another opportunity tonight and I think it is a position in the England team where Gareth [Southgate’s] obviously not sure who’s going to do that job in there.

“It’s an opportunity for him tonight but he’s got to take it.”

Rice switched international allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to England in February having previously represented the Green Army in three non-competitive matches.

 
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