MX23RW : Friday, January 31 02:51:10| >> :600:1007529:1007529:

Declan Rice: "England have never wanted me"

West Ham United defender Declan Rice insists that playing for the Republic of Ireland was always his only choice and that England never considered him as a youngster.

West Ham United defender Declan Rice has stated that his international future was never in doubt and the Republic of Ireland was always his only choice.

The 19-year-old, who was born in London, has flown out with Martin O'Neill's squad for Friday's friendly against Turkey in Antalya.

Rice is then expected to link up with Ireland's Under-21s for a Euros qualifier against Azerbaijan on Tuesday.

Speaking of the teenager, England boss Gareth Southgate stated in January that "we are aware of his situation", but the player has made it clear where his allegiances lie.

"There's no decision to be made," Rice told Sky Sports News.

"I'm here with Ireland and I've been called up by Martin. I'm really looking forward to this week and I'm looking forward to getting to know the boys better.

"I haven't had a call from anyone at the FA. Not at all. England have never wanted me at underage level, it's always been Ireland."

Rice picked up the Republic of Ireland Under-19 Player of the Year gong at the FAI Awards on Sunday night.

ID:321417: cacheID:321417:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2254:
Written by
Giuseppe Labellarte
Restore Data
Share this article now:
A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016
Read Next:
Reading star Kelly rejects Ireland call-up
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool22165154213353
2Arsenal23138244212347
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2313553327644
4Manchester CityMan City23125647301741
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle23125641271441
6Chelsea23117545301540
7Bournemouth23117541261540
8Aston Villa2310763435-137
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2381053531434
10Fulham238963431333
11Brentford2394104240231
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd2385102832-429
13Crystal Palace236982630-427
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham2376102844-1627
15Tottenham HotspurSpurs2373134637924
16Everton225891928-923
17Leicester CityLeicester2345142549-2417
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2344153252-2016
19Ipswich TownIpswich2337132147-2616
20Southampton2313191653-376


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!