Declan Rice has said that last week's call-up to the England squad for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montenegro is the fulfillment of what he's worked towards since he was a kid.
Those were formative years which included playing for Ireland at underage level and winning three senior caps in a green jersey; a strange and circuitous route to take if playing for England was his ultimate aim.
"You can't describe it, to be honest, just a straight smile," the West Ham player told the English FA's YouTube channel about the moment he discovered that he had been selected by Gareth Southgate.
I was ill the day last week that the squad got announced and my dad came home and we was watching the TV and obviously it came up that I was in the squad, and that feeling, bursting with pride.
You can't believe, it's everything you've wanted to work for since a kid and it's come true so the call-up is probably one of the best feelings you are going to feel.
Regarding his switch of allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to England, Rice said it was a "tough" decision. The 20-year-old now sounds like someone eager to forget past missteps.
"I think everyone knows my situation with the Republic of Ireland," said Rice.
"I've obviously played there in the youth set-up but I had to make a decision that was best for me.
"As you can hear I am English, I am from England, and it was really good playing for Ireland. Now I'm just looking forward to the future and pulling on the England shirt.
"I've just got to look forward now and forget about the past."
That #ThreeLions call-up feeling... 🙌
First Impressions with @_DeclanRice, coming soon to https://t.co/RAe2xMao3g! pic.twitter.com/bf3Drhlnd5— England (@England) March 19, 2019
