West Ham captain Declan Rice has received huge praise from Italian captain Marco Verratti, who is considered one of the best midfielders in the world.

The Italy captain, who faced off against the Hammers Academy graduate on Thursday night where England overcame the Italians 2-1 in Naples, believes Rice is the perfect fit for the Three Lions side.

Rice was quite rightly awarded the man of the match award following his once-again outstanding performance in the opening Euro 2024 Group C opener, with Verratti stating there is even more to come from the West Ham talisman.

“I really like him as a player,” said the Paris St Germain midfielder. “He provides great balance and shape to the team, and he’s got wonderful physical attributes.”

Verratti was also complimentary towards Rices approach to games, with the Irons captain always demonstrating a never-say-die attitude when performing for club or country.

“I’ve played against him many times,” added Verratti. “He never gives up, he’s got a wonderful attitude, and he’s still very young so he’s got a huge room for improvement.”

Rice is expected to start again for England this Sunday when they take on Ukraine in the next qualifier match, with our captain then set to lead West Ham out for the huge must-win Premier League clash against Southampton next weekend.