The English midfielder has made 29 appearances for West Ham in the Premier League, playing an important role in David Moyes’ Hammers chase to qualify for Europe this season.
The West Ham star has been a regular for Southgate’s Three Lions, starting 12 out of a possible 17 internationals since making his debut as a substitute in a European Championship qualifying win over the Czech Republic at Wembley in March 2019.
Rice was called up to international duty once again as England begin their quest to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
While Rice’s attacking contributions continue to improve, Southgate believes that there is more to come from the 22-year-old in this department as the England manager stated that he has seen traces of his potential going forward which can compliment his defensive game.
“He’s outstanding at recovering balls in midfield”, the England manager was quoted as saying by West Ham’s official site.
“I think there are only a couple higher in the league in terms of recoveries in those midfield areas.
“I think there is still more to come with the ball, that building of attacks, that receiving from defence and transferring the ball quickly forward.
“We see evidence of it and we see at times he has the athleticism to drive forward with the ball as well.”
Rice will look to play a crucial role in England squad as they begin their World Cup qualifying campaign against San Marino in the group stage on Thursday.
