Rice picks England over Ireland
Declan Rice has handed England a huge boost with the news that he has decided to play for the Three Lions over Ireland.
Rob Harris of AP Global reports that the player has told both international managers that he is requesting a transfer of his international registration to England.
Rice’s future at international level has been a point of discussion for some time, with the defender appearing to have his head turned by England.
It’s a decision that is unlikely to go down well with Ireland, given that the player has represented the country at senior level already.
The player has released a statement regarding his decision from his Twitter account.
Twitter: https://t.co/L6Du9X8wNd (@_DeclanRice)
However, after not featuring in a competitive fixture, England were able to swoop in and secure his services.
Rice was born in England but represented Ireland at every youth level from U16s to U21s.
Following his breakthrough at the London Stadium this season, Gareth Southgate has been keen to get him on board and has now won the race to secure his international future.