West Ham starlet Rice makes decision on international future

West Ham midfielder Declan Rice has announced he has chosen to represent England over Republic of Ireland.

The 20-year-old represented Ireland right the way through their underage groups and has even turned out at senior level on three occasions.

Rice, however, has been involved in an international tug-of-war between Ireland and his birthplace England since the end of last season.

Former Ireland manager Martin O’Neil pushed hard to convince Rice to stay with Ireland but the 66-year-old was sacked in November.

Rice has now confirmed he has elected to represent the Three Lions and will likely be part of Gareth Southgate’s squad for his upcoming England squad.

“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,” Rice confirmed in a statement on his official Twitter account.

England start their Euro 2020 qualification campaign against Czech Republic and Montenegro at the end of March and Rice will certainly bolster England’s midfield options.

The Three Lions have insufficient central midfield options and their shortcomings were put to the fore in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals defeat against Croatia.

Rice has been a revelation for the Hammers this season after being moved to defensive midfield by Manuel Pellegrini and West Ham should expect interest from some of the biggest clubs in England in the near future.

The West Ham starlet has won possession in the middle third more times than any other player aged 21 and under in Europe’s top five leagues this season (113).