Romantic Declan Rice celebrates six-year anniversary with girlfriend at plush Chinese restaurant inside The Shard

DECLAN RICE is reaching more new heights – with a cosy anniversary meal at the UK’s tallest building.

West Ham’s England midfielder and childhood sweetheart Lauren Fryer marked six years together by dining at the 33rd-floor Hutong restaurant at London’s Shard.

The view from the Hutong restaurant shared by Declan Rice and childhood sweetheart Lauren Fryer

More than 12,000 of Lauren’s Instagram fans soon ‘liked’ a snap she posted of the couple at a venue that boasts “occasionally fiery Northern Chinese cuisine”,

Rice’s career has certainly spiced up over the past two years.

After controversially swapping the Republic of Ireland for the Three Lions, he has been increasingly linked to Chelsea, Manchester United and City.

Throughout his rising career, Rice’s relationship with fellow Londoner Lauren has remained stable.

And he looked blissfully happy with Lauren as they denied at the luxury eaterie.

Many of the capital’s most famous sites can be seen in the backdrop of such a height, looking across the River Thames.

And envious eyes are also being cast on Rice as he himself is now one of London’s prize assets.

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Champions City have been making waves with their reported interest in 22-year-old Rice.

Also able to play in central defence, Etihad chief Pep Guardiola sees him as a strong candidate to replace succeed midfield anchorman Fernandinho, 36.

West Ham still hope to keep Rice beyond this season.

But Old Trafford legend Gary Neville said:  “He’ll have to transfer to a team in the Champions League.”

And asked about Rice’s role, Nev replied: “Where he plays in midfield. Where there’s high expectations. 

“Where he’s playing against teams that are dropping deep every week and there will be different asks.”

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