But judged on early signs of a cameo against Czech Republic last Friday and his first start here in Montenegro it would appear the FA were right to target him and, more importantly, he was right to listen. Rice could scarcely have dreamed of being handed such responsibility so soon after nailing his colours to England’s mast. Thrust into the centre of the action last night in as a result of a hip injury to Eric Dier and with Jordan Henderson failing a late fitness test on an ankle injury, he anchored the midfield with impressive composure. Yes the stress testing provided by Montenegro, like Czech Republic on Friday night, was perhaps not the most rigorous but there was an impressive maturity about Rice’s game which bodes well.

The win in Montenegro proved that going forward England have some exciting options it also showed that when Henderson, Dier and Harry Winks are not available, Southgate has found another who does not look out of place. As befitting a player who started as a centre half, Rice looks like he prefers the game in front of him but while he was not charged with being over ambitious going forward his covering work was good. His best moment in the first half came when he tracked a run back from the hosts best player striker Fatos Beciraf on 35 minutes, sliding in to block as he attempted to shoot. Shortly after England had taken a two goal cushion, he gambled perfectly to dispossess Nikola Vukcevic when Montenegro threatened a break, staying on his feet and emerging with the ball.

Declan Rice can be England's future instead of Hudson-Odoi

Declan Rice has been a force for West Ham in midfield this season

His anticipation was demonstrated later when he darted out of the six yard box to intercept a low corner from the left side. Aside from that he sat dutifully on the toes of Harry Maguire and Michael Keane and did what he had been told to do. Last night’s efforts have capped a whirlwind two months for Rice since he was persuaded by outgoing FA Technical Director Dan Ashworth that he had a lucrative future with England. Born in London but with grandparents from Cork, no doubt delighted their grandson had pulled on a green shirt, conflicted emotions about which flag he played under were understandable.

Declan Rice was brilliant all night for England

He had played through the age-groups with the Republic and appeared in three friendly internationals for the senior side in 2018 but insisted he was a “of mixed nationality but a proud Englishman”. The waters were muddied last week when when it emerged on the eve of his first appearance as a late substitute against Czech Republic, that he had posted pro-IRA sentiments on Instagram. Gareth Southgate had wisely sought to place in context those remarks and had done so in Captain Mainwaring style stressing that all 15-year-old’s make mistakes. He may not have used the phrase “stupid boy” but he didn’t need to. Rice will no doubt return to West Ham this week feeling tired but 10ft tall and there was a nice touch from Southgate in charging ex-Hammer Joe Cole to give him his cap in the dressing room before the game.

Declan Rice switched his allegiance from Ireland to England