Declan Rice has submitted a written request to Fifa for the transfer of
his international registration from the Republic of Ireland to England, the West Ham player has announced.
Rice, who has played in three Republic of Ireland friendly games against Turkey, France and USA, said he had called Mick McCarthy and Gareth Southgate on Wednesday to inform them of a decision he described as “extremely difficult”.
The 20-year-old added that he had reached this conclusion after discussions with those two international managers, with the former Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill and with his family and friends.
“I have equal respect and love for both England and Ireland and therefore the national team I choose to represent is not a clear-cut, simple selection,” he wrote in a statement published on his Twitter feed. “Particularly not for a young lad who never dreamed of being in this position.
“Like so many people around the world, I consider myself to be of mixed nationality. I am a proud Englishman, having been born and raised in London. However, I am just as proud of my family’s Irish heritage and my affinity and connection with the country.
“Ultimately it is a personal decision that I have made with my heart and my head, based on what I believe is best for my future. I fully accept that some Irish supporters will be disappointed … My pride at wearing the Irish shirt was always 100% genuine.”
Republic of Ireland manager McCarthy said: “Declan rang me today and said he has decided to give it a go with England. Good luck to him.”
