West Ham: Robinson rips apart midfielder Declan Rice

By Laura O'Leary

18th Nov, 2019 | 1:28pm

Exclusive: Robinson rips apart West Ham player who didn't use his 'Energy' in int'l display

Paul Robinson slammed West Ham midfielder Declan Rice for his performance in England’s 4-0 win over Kosovo on Sunday.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Laura O’Leary, the former Tottenham and Blackburn goalkeeper explained that he thought Rice was very poor in his latest international display as he gave the ball away and just opted to pass the ball sideways and backwards.

The Hammers midfielder earned his 6th cap for England during the win against Kosovo after previously been an unused sub in his nation’s last two outings.

Robinson revealed that Rice wasn’t helped by his teammates on Sunday but pointed out the 20-year-old didn’t use the “energy” he knows he has, to put in a good display.

When asked about Rice’s latest performance for England, Robinson told Football Insider: “I think he was very poor last night, he gave the ball away too much.

“He kept just playing the ball sideways and backwards, he played a great ball into Harry Kane for the goal, it was a brilliant pass forward but it was one of his only highlights.

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“I thought he was too cautious with the ball, too backwards and sidewards, and with the energy and the engine that he has got, I don’t think he used it.

“I thought England were pedestrian last night and I don’t think that helped his performances either.”

The Hammers midfielder has been a regular member of Manuel Pellegrini’s side this season and has played every minute of the club’s Premier League campaign so far.

Rice rose through the Hammers’ youth ranks before breaking into the club’s first-team and despite only being 20-years-old, the midfielder has already racked up 82 appearances for the senior team.

In other West Ham news, Darren Bent believes the Hammers would love to get their hands on an attacker who is ready to quit Premier League giants.