Declan Rice has received his first international call-up since switching allegiances from the Republic of Ireland to England.
The West Ham United midfielder, who was named Ireland’s Young Player of the Year this week, has been included in the Three Lions squad to face the Czech Republic and Montenegro in Euro 2020 qualifiers later this month.
Declan Rice’s England switch: Five key things to know…
- Rice initially chose to represent the Republic of Ireland through his Irish grandparents.
- Last year, Rice made his senior debut for the Republic of Ireland in a 1-0 defeat against Turkey.
- After two more appearances he was dropped by coach Martin O’Neill, who revealed Rice was considering playing for England.
- Rice eventually made a decision and his switch to England was confirmed earlier this month.
- After impressing for West Ham in recent months, he could make his England debut against the Czech Republic or Montenegro.
Earlier this week, Rice was named Ireland’s Young Player of the Year. Most of the votes for the award went in before he changed his nationality.
The 20-year-old is joined in the squad by Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who has received his first call-up since injuring his shoulder almost two years ago.
There are no other potential debutants in the squad. Jadon Sancho is included as a result of his continuing fine form for Borussia Dortmund, while Callum Wilson will be aiming to make just his second England appearance.
Here it is – the #ThreeLions' squad for our opening two #Euro2020 qualifiers:https://t.co/3seiPqsZrO
— England (@England) March 13, 2019
Crystal Palace full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka is perhaps the surprise absentee. Tottenham’s Kieran Trippier has overcome an injury, which might explain Wan-Bissaka’s omission.
On Rice, Southgate said: “His form warrants it. We like what we’ve seen in terms of his personality, his character and his leadership qualities. He’ll fit very well into how we work.”
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