England manager Gareth Southgate has spoken of the chances of West Ham youngster Declan Rice switching international allegiances, Football.London reports.
Rice has previously made 3 friendly appearances for the Republic of Ireland but remains eligible for the England national side having not featured in a competitive international fixture.
Rice rejected a call-up to the most recent Republic of Ireland squad as he delibers over whether or not to switch his allegiance and play for England.
Southgate has admitted to having spoken to Rice about the possibility of him playing for England.
I think it’s fair to say I have spoken with him but I have not promised anything because I don’t think that’s right.
It would be easy whether you are with club or national association to promise people things but I can’t promise players who were with us at the World Cup that they will be involved in six months’ time.
It would be wrong of us to be arrogant and think people will just come and play for us because we are England but really I think when you invest in a player at a younger level you hope there is an emotional tie formed.
All I would say for Declan is I think the boy is in a really difficult position now and I’m extremely conscious of that. He has to make a decision…I think it’s important that he is allowed that opportunity.
