Hammers Abroad in March #2: Arnautovic, Rice shine; Joao Mario logs double duty

Manuel Lanzini isn’t the only Hammer who has made headlines during the final international break of the season, as other West Ham United players have had their own interesting tales this period with their countries.

Teenage talent Declan Rice put in a solid performance in Ireland’s 1-0 defeat to Turkey on Friday, in a match of two sides not going to the World Cup in Russia. Despite the loss, Rice performance was so good that he earned Man of the March honors for his nation.

An impressive feat for the 19-year-old, no doubt.

Also having a positive international break is the favorite to win Hammers Player of the Season, Marko Arnautovic. The uber talented winger provided a two-goal display for Austria in their comfortable 3-0 win over Slovenia, in another all European fixture with both sides failing to qualify for Russia 2018.

Here are highlights of the game, and Arnie’s quality brace.

Joao Mario continued his efforts to secure another major tournament spot for Portugal, as he played the first 61 minutes in their Cristiano Ronaldo led 2-1 comeback victory over Egypt on Friday. Mario didn’t do anything that stood out, and was subbed off for Ricardo Quaresma just after the hour mark, as the Besiktas talent was instrumental in A Selecao’s fight back victory.