There was a strong reaction to Declan Rice’s performance against Everton

A really mature performance

Declan Rice returned to action for West Ham United on Sunday afternoon and showed why there are two countries interested in securing his international allegiance. The 19-year-old made his second start of the Premier League season. He helped the Hammers to their first victory, and points, of the campaign, as Manuel Pellegrini's team beat Everton 3-1 at Goodison Park. Andriy Yarmolenko scored twice and Marko Arnautovic got the third after Gylfi Sigurdsson reduced the deficit before half-time. However, Rice was one of the main talking points from the match. The Londoner came into the starting line-up following an injury to Jack Wilshere and was very effective in protecting West Ham's previously rickety defence. Rice played alongside Mark Noble and Pedro Obiang in midfield and didn't really put a foot wrong. He was neat in possession and helped keep the home side quiet with several blocks, tackles and interceptions. Rice's display showed why he is so highly rated. It's rare to see a teenager put in such a disciplined and mature performance in central midfield in a Premier League game. Rice is still deliberating over his international future. He has played three times for the Republic of Ireland senior team. But as they were only friendlies, he can still switch allegiance to England, the country of his birth. England manager Gareth Southgate has said that he contacted Rice about potentially playing for the country. The 19-year-old asked to be omitted from Ireland's recent squad as he takes some time to decide his next move. Southgate's assistant Steve Holland was at Goodison Park on Sunday and Rice's performance surely caught his eye. "I'm sure he'll be impressed with him," Jamie Carragher said on commentary for Sky Sports when the topic of Holland scouting Rice came up during the game. People at home were very impressed with Rice's display. https://twitter.com/BroadcastMoose/status/1041358359889424384 https://twitter.com/Ollie_WHUFC/status/1041358213743030272 https://twitter.com/DaveLittle60/status/1041358246257340416 https://twitter.com/ST_WOOLYBACK/status/1041360468470915073 https://twitter.com/jamesbenge/status/1041358210479927297 https://twitter.com/JoeCassidyIRE/status/1041359578900979714 https://twitter.com/byrnesy10/status/1041361695694901249 https://twitter.com/JamesCole__/status/1041360815096573952 https://twitter.com/slickrik89/status/1041359841040769024 https://twitter.com/tedforbes11/status/1041359124934664193 https://twitter.com/Paul__Ring/status/1041359593417441281 https://twitter.com/Neville37/status/1041359811626115073 https://twitter.com/AidanTorbitt/status/1041360713191698433