West Ham fans have been reacting to the breaking news that Declan Rice has chosen to represent England. West Ham’s number 41 released a statement on Twitter today in which he clarified his international future.
Rice made three appearances for Ireland, but they only came in international friendlies. This meant he was free to switch allegiances under FIFA rules.
This has been an issue that has hung over Rice since he started to establish himself in the first-team at West Ham. Having qualified to play for Ireland through his grandparents, Rice has decided to represent the country of his birth.
Ireland fans will surely be angry at Rice’s change of heart, similarly to when Jack Grealish decided to make the same decision. But while the Aston Villa lad is yet to make his England debut, there is big chance to Rice to get into Gareth Southgate’s squad.
West Ham and England fans alike will be delighted to hear that Rice has chosen to represent the Three Lions. At just 20 years old he has the potential to reach the very pinnacle of the game.
Fans have been reacting on Twitter to Rice’s major statement. Check out some of their reactions below:
https://twitter.com/MahmodZoubi4/status/1095719824850849793
https://twitter.com/FrancisMeasure/status/1095715057642754054
https://twitter.com/Oliver_WHU/status/1095715237888774144
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