The Hammers midfielder has declared his international allegiance to England over the Boys in Green.
Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has claimed that not for “one minute” did he think West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice was going to declare for them.
The 20-year-old was born in London, but played for the Irish at youth level as well as in three senior games, but as they were friendlies, he could still switch to play for England.
Earlier in February, Rice pledged his international future to the Three Lions (BBC Sport), putting an end to a second saga in one season, following the one regarding his club future.
His decision, much like Jack Grealish’s one, triggered a lot of debate amongst fans and pundits about national identity and whether he had made the right decision.
On Wednesday, ROI coach McCarthy issued what seemed to be a final parting shot towards Rice, subsequently suggesting that it’s now no longer his concern.
“I didn’t think for one minute he was going to join us,” McCarthy is quoted by BBC Sport as saying. “I was hopeful. Was I optimistic? No.
“If he wanted to stay, all he had to say was ‘yes it’s no problem’. The longer it went on I was confident in my own head that he wasn’t coming. Now, I don’t have to talk about him anymore. Good luck to him, he’s got his own career to look after now and I’ve got mine.”
Rice is now free for a call-up to England boss Gareth Southgate’s squad for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Czech Republic and Montenegro at the end of March, while ROI open their campaign away to Gibraltar on 23 March.
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