Gareth Southgate announced his first post-World Cup England squad this afternoon, and, while nobody would have been expecting the inclusion of West Ham United's Declan Rice, the England manager was presented with questions regarding where the three-capped Irish international's future lay.
Despite appearing to have committed his international future to the Republic of Ireland, Rice was a notable omission when Martin O'Neill announced his latest squad earlier in the week.
Revealing that the the London-born footballer had asked for more time to consider his international future, O'Neill provided no certainties as to whether or not Rice would make any further appearances for the Republic of Ireland.
Speaking today as his England squad was announced, Gareth Southgate was equally vague about Rice's future, while conceding that he had a difficult decision to make.
He is a good young player. He has a really difficult decision as there is a lot of pressure on him.
As far as I'm concerned he is with Ireland at the moment. That decision has to lie with him.
Martin O'Neill revealed that a delegation from the English FA had contacted Rice regarding the player's potential availability, but it is as yet unknown what decision he will come to.
