West Ham star commits international future to England over Ireland

West Ham ace Declan Rice has chosen to pledge his international future to England over the Republic of Ireland.

Rice had previously represented Ireland in international fixtures last year. However, these games came during friendlies, meaning that he was still eligible to switch allegiance to the nation of his birth.

The 20-year-old also represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level from U16-U21. Rice is a highly rated young midfielder and has established himself as a first-team regular within the Hammers squad during the past two seasons. He made 26 Premier League appearances last season and is on course to eclipse that this term.

Will Southgate bring out best in young star?

England manager Gareth Southgate has a reputation for bringing out the best in young players and also enjoys calling up young talent into his squads in order to nurture them for the future. Rice has certainly shown signs that he could go on to become one of the best Premier League midfielders in years to come if he carries on progressing and ironing out the errors in his game.

Since being integrated into the Hammers squad in 2016, he has gone on to make 59 appearances in all competitions for the team, scoring one goal, which is impressive for a player of his age. It is likely that Rice will end up being called up to the Three Lions squad in the near future and he is a talent that England die-hards can be excited about.

‘Extremely difficult decision’

Rice said in a statement, as quoted by The Guardian: “This afternoon I telephoned both Mick McCarthy and Gareth Southgate to inform them of my decision to submit a written request to FIFA for the transfer of my international registration from the Republic of Ireland to England.

“This has been an extremely difficult decision and, in all honesty, not one I ever expected to be making at this stage of my career. So much has happened, so quickly, in the past couple of years, from progressing through the West Ham United Academy to making my Premier League debut at the age of 18 in May 2017 and then being named in a full international squad just two days later.

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“Like so many people around the world, I consider myself to be of mixed nationality. I am a proud Englishman, having been born and raised in London. However, I am just as proud of my family’s Irish heritage and my affinity and connection with the country.

“I have equal respect and love for both England and Ireland and therefore the national team I choose to represent is not a clear-cut, simple selection. Particularly not for a young lad who never dreamed of being in this position.

“Ultimately, it is a personal decision that I have made with my heart and my head, based on what I believe is best for my future.

“I fully accept that some Irish supporters will be disappointed by my decision, and that everyone has different opinions in regard to the rules around international representation. However, I hope that people can understand that I have made this decision with honesty, integrity and the full support of my family.

“I would like to thank Mick McCarthy, Martin O’Neill, all of the coaching staff and everyone associated with the FA of Ireland (with special thanks to Mark O’Toole), not only for their support and understanding throughout this period, but for the part they have played in my development as a young player.

“My pride at wearing the Irish shirt was always 100 per cent genuine. It was a great honour for myself and my family, and something I will always cherish.

“I would also like to make it clear that, in requesting to transfer my national team representation, I am not taking for granted a call-up to the England squad or making any assumptions about my future international career. However, out of respect for the Republic of Ireland, I felt it was right to announce this decision now and put an end to the speculation.

“In football, and in life, I have always tried to be completely honest and true to myself and my family at all times, and that is what I will continue to do.”