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Aaron Cresswell and Declan Rice were among the many Hammers on international duty over the course of the last week, as they both hope their times away with their countries will turn around West Ham’s nightmare start to the season.
Both players discussed their positive experiences away from the London Stadium to WHUFC.org, as the England left back and Irish youth midfielder may take part in the crucial home opener vs Huddersfield on Monday evening.
Although he did not receive any playing time from manager Gareth Southgate in his nation’s World Cup Qualifiers against Malta and Slovakia, Cresswell was still buoyed over receiving another call up to the senior squad. And the Hammers #3 expressed how motivated he was to facilitate the turnaround his club needs at the moment.
“At the minute, it’s not going great at West Ham with three defeats in our first three Premier League games,” Cresswell said. “But I’m looking forward to getting back in with the lads, as I’m sure Joe [Hart] is as well, getting back on the training pitch and working hard to do what we have to do to beat Huddersfield on Monday.”
“I’m also looking forward to getting back to London Stadium and hopefully we can give something back to the fans, get those three points and kick-start our season.”
Meanwhile Rice had a banner moment on Tuesday, as he received his first cap with Ireland’s under-21 team at the tender age of 18 years old. The precocious figure started and went the full 90 minutes in the Irish’s 3-1 victory over Azerbaijan. Obviously enthralled by what he accomplished, Rice hopes he will receive a London Stadium debut against Huddersfield after being involved in all of West Ham’s first four games this season.
“It was a very proud moment for me and my family, to make my competitive debut for the U21s,” Rice said. “The start I’ve had to the season has been great and it’s another part that I will always remember. It would be a dream come true to play at London Stadium for the first time in a first team game if I get that opportunity on Monday. I’m very grateful to have been involved in every game so far, so I hope that can continue.”