Declan Rice says that he will make a decision soon regarding his future in international football.
The West Ham player featured in three internationals for Ireland last year, all of them friendlies, which means he could still switch his allegiance to England.
Rice, who turns 20, on Monday told the Evening Standard:
With regard to my international future, myself, my dad and my brother [Connor] have talked with Ireland coach Mick McCarthy and I’ve also spoken to Gareth Southgate. They’ve both said that whenever I’m ready, it’s up to me to make a decision. There was so much going on earlier in the season but now most of that has been sorted, so I will make a decision soon.
As for now, I want to play at the top level throughout my career. I want to win trophies, even the Champions League. You have to be ambitious. If not, what’s the point?
Ireland manager Mick McCarthy said last month that he and his assistant, Robbie Keane, had a "really good meeting" with Rice and his father Sean regarding their desire to see him continue playing for the Republic.
It was reported by the Irish Times last month that Rice is expected to commit his future to Ireland.
Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile
