Declan Rice’s switch of allegiance from Ireland to England has been approved by FIFA, The Associated Press have reported.
The midfielder announced his intention to play for England in February after six months of deliberating whether to switch his international allegiance.
Despite Rice being capped at youth level and making three senior appearances for the Republic of Ireland, he was allowed to make the switch to represent England as the senior appearances were all in friendlies.
According to the report, The Associated Press were told by FIFA earlier on Tuesday that:
The change of association has been approved.
The 20-year-old has impressed for West Ham this season, making 30 appearances in all competitions, and the midfielder scored his second league goal of the season last weekend against Newcastle.
Following the announcement, Rice is expected to be included in Gareth Southgate’s next England squad for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montenegro.
