“I am a proud Englishman.”
Declan Rice has made a decision on his international future. The West Ham United midfielder has opted to play for England and explained his reasons why in a statement released on Wednesday afternoon.
The decision ends months of deliberation by Rice about which country to represent. It also brings an end to months of speculation around the 20-year-old.
Rice qualified for Ireland through his grandparents from Cork. Between 2015 and 2018, he represented the Republic of Ireland at under-16, under-17, under-19 and under-21 levels, playing 20 times in total.
In 2018, he graduated to the senior side and made three appearances in friendlies under Martin O’Neill. In each game, the Londoner was Ireland’s best player.
However, he asked to be omitted from the squad for the Uefa Nations League game against Wales in Cardiff last September.
Rice had been approached by England coach Gareth Southgate about playing for the nation of his birth.
As he had only played in friendlies for Ireland, he was eligible to switch allegiance.
— Declan Rice (@_DeclanRice) February 13, 2019
The FAI released a statement of their own after Rice made his decision.
It appears new Ireland manager Mick McCarthy is taking it in his stride and won’t be dwelling on the matter for too long.
The statement reads:
“The Football Association of Ireland can confirm that Declan Rice (West Ham United) has opted to purse his international career with England.
“Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy said: “Declan rang me today and said he has decided to give it a go with England. Good luck to him.”
“Rice played three senior international games for Ireland in 2018 having previously represented Ireland at underage level.
