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Jamie Redknapp makes Declan Rice prediction amid Manchester United transfer interest
Jamie Redknapp reckons West Ham midfielder Declan Rice could solve Gareth Southgate's defensive woes for England.
Rice has been used in a defensive midfield role for both club and country.
The 20-year-old’s season with the Hammers last season has seen him linked with a move to Manchester United.
Writing in his Daily Mail column, he said: "Is Declan Rice the answer to England’s problems in defence? I suspect he could be.
"I see a centre back in the 20-year-old and that is where his future could lie for club and country, rather than being used solely in midfield.
"In the modern game, players are being told to pass it out from the back, and Rice is capable of executing that. He'd be more than happy to get on the ball and has the intelligence needed to form an effective centre back partnership.
"He ranks fourth for interceptions and seventh for ball recoveries (in the Premier League). I believe he could apply those talents to central defence, too, while being the proficient passer Gareth Southgate wants."
Standings
England, Premier League