If reports are to believed Declan Rice is ready to switch his allegiance to England from the Republic of Ireland.
The 19 year old’s rise to the prominence hasn’t gone unnoticed and he has been one of the brightest young prospects in the Premier League. Rice has featured in three matches for Martin O’Neill’s side but all of his appearances came in a friendly so as per FIFA regulations he is still eligible for representing England.
Rice is preparing to officially lodge his bid for the Three Lions and could submit the necessary paperwork in a few days. Manuel Pellegrini has mostly used the youngster in a holding midfield role and given England’s lack of creativity in the middle of the pitch the 19 year old could be a big asset for Gareth Southgate in near future.
However, O’Neill admitted he is a bit surprised after hearing the news. “I would be a bit surprised at this minute, a bit surprised,
“Nothing surprises me in this life but I would be a bit surprised by that there particular story.”
He went on to add, “Young Rice couldn’t have rejected our call-up because we never called him up.
“If you have information that I’m unaware of, I’ll have to go and check it through.”
