---
title: "Southgate won’t promise England call-up for Rice"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2018/09/05/southgate-wont-promise-england-call-up-for-rice/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Rebecca Hawksworth"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2018-09-05T14:51:06Z"
modified: "2018-09-05T14:51:06Z"
---

# Southgate won’t promise England call-up for Rice

England manager Gareth Southgate has spoken of the chances of West Ham youngster Declan Rice switching international allegiances, [Football.London](https://www.football.london/west-ham-united-fc/players/west-ham-news-jack-wilshere-15103651) 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.

![Alex Pantling/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readwestham.com/readwestham/2018/09/957071000.jpg)

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.