Declan Rice is this morning being reported as being ready to settle his international future by choosing
Rice represented Ireland at youth level from Under-16s onwards, and made three senior appearances after his debut against Turkey in March.
However, Rice decided not to feature in the Ireland squads for the recent Uefa Nations League clashes against Denmark and Wales and the friendly against Poland.
And because he is yet to be to capped in a competitive fixture Rice remains eligible to represent England – and his decision to do so will be a big blow for Ireland boss Martin O’Neill.
It has been thought for some time that the midfielder would settle on England but O’Neill remains hopeful that this may be a false report.
If this is true then Southgate is a smart cookie. He has finally realised that no England team will ever win a tournament without a West Ham player or three in it.
Sad day. He has messed Ireland about. As a proud Irish hammer if this is true he obviously has no allegiance. I expect him to leave us and go to Chelsea.
Says a lot about his concept of loyalty. Fully expect him to slap in a transfer request in January as his new agent will be telling him he won’t be able guarantee himself a place in southgates squad while playing for the hammers. If this is true I Wish him luck but I have lost respect for him irrespective of his talent
This lad has a huge career ahead of himself for sure. But all this “I’ll decide who to play for when I’m good and ready” is just arrogance personified.
I think rice is a good young player and has a good future if he keeps learning and improving. I don’t like the fact that he can change and play for England, when he has played for Ireland in a competitive game. It doesn’t seem right. However they are the rules. Too be honest the rules needs looking at, you should only be able to chnage teams in club footballl.