England: Declan Rice says Graeme Souness’ criticism is ‘harsh’

Declan Rice has branded criticism of him by Sportsmail columnist Graeme Souness ‘harsh’ ahead of Thursday night’s clash between Rice’s England and Italy.

Former Liverpool midfielder Souness effectively called the West Ham captain a limited player. 

And Rice — who has come off social media recently — responded here in Naples on Wednesday night: ‘It’s harsh because Souness doesn’t watch West Ham every week. 

‘There’s loads of West Ham fans, 60,000 go every week, they see what I do.

‘But Souness was a player and when someone like him speaks, you have to sometimes listen and take on board where you can improve, if that’s true. 

The Hammers captain has endured a difficult season for his club, who lie in the relegation zone

Sportsmail columnist and ex-Liverpool star Souness (pictured) effectively called Rice limited

Rice is hoping to make a statement by beating Italy in their own back yard on Thursday evening

‘You try not to let it affect you that much. I can take it on the chin quite well.’

On Thursday night’s clash, Rice added: ‘There is more expectation than ever. If you look at this squad, it’s full of top-quality players. 

‘The record in Italy hasn’t been good and since the Euros this will be the fourth time we have played them and we haven’t won yet. It would be a really big statement if we can put on a performance.

‘A win would be a great marker and it would set us in good stead for this campaign. 

‘We’re in a hostile city, a hostile stadium and we’re ready to go. It’s going to be tough but after the World Cup we genuinely believe we can beat anyone.’

Rice’s West Ham team-mate Gianluca Scamacca is set to face England on Thursday night amid doubts over his future. 

The striker, who joined West Ham for £35.5million in the summer, is struggling to get a game in the Premier League.

Scamacca has also been criticised by Hammers manager David Moyes for his substandard ‘physical data’.