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Republic of Ireland winger questions Declan Rice over England switch
Republic of Ireland winger Daryl Horgan has questioned the decision of West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice to play for England.
The two sides meet at Wembley on Thursday, and it will be the first time Rice will play against Ireland since switching allegiances.
Jack Grealish has also done the same in recent years, and Horgan has claimed that there should be stricter rules in place to prevent that.
Horgan believes that once Rice featured for Ireland, that should have been that regarding who the Hammers ace could represent.
“Yeah, look, we all know how good a player he is,” he told the Irish Examiner.
“He’s a very talented guy. It’s one of them. He should never have been in that position in the first place. There should be stricter rules so that if you play a friendly then that’s that.”
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The Irish winger then went on to admit that Rice was born in England and had lived there his entire life, so the decision was up to him – make up your mind.
Playing for England is clearly the biggest opportunity for homegrown players within the Premier League.
The 21-year-old did make three appearances for Ireland’s senior side, but because they came in friendlies he could change allegiances.
Gareth Southgate addressed that in his recent press conference, backing the Irons skipper to succeed against his former side.
Rice has cemented his spot in the Three Lions squad and clearly has a bigger chance of success in major competitions with England.
No one can blame him for this decision, which is way in the past.
In other West Ham United news, Lineker claims Cresswell closing in on England chance