Everton full-back Seamus Coleman says Declan Rice would be “welcomed back to the Republic of Ireland squad with open arms”, after the West Ham youngster withdrew himself from the side.
Sky Sports reported that Rice quit international duty so he could consider switching allegiance, and represent England in the future.
The 19-year-old has played three times in the past for Republic of Ireland, and has reportedly spoken to England boss Gareth Southgate about the prospect of representing the country of his birth.
But despite all of this, Republic of Ireland captain Coleman insists that the teenager’s decision should not be judged; ” I’ll tell you one thing, I saw him after the Turkey game where he got man of the match. I saw him embrace his Dad in the tunnel, there’s no doubt about it, Declan has been proud playing for Ireland.
“It’s very easy for us and people on the outside to judge the situation, but he may have got his head turned by England wanting him, which all of a sudden puts a decision in his mind which he didn’t have six months of a year ago.
‘I’ll welcome him back with open arms, because I’ve seen first-hand that when he’s worn the jersey he has been very proud. The three games that he played for us, he was our best player.”
