The Hammers midfielder has completed his switch from the Republic of Ireland to the Three Lions.
West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice has seen his switch of international allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to England approved by FIFA.
The 20-year-old has been sensational for his club this season, making 30 appearances in all competitions, of which 26 have been Premier League starts (Transfermarkt).
Rice began the 2018-19 season with uncertainty on two fronts but those have been extinguished, much to the delight of Hammers fans with his long-term contract, and also with regards to his international allegiance.
The versatile defensive player 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, as he has done.
FIFA are quoted by Sky Sports News as saying that “the change of association has been approved”, putting Rice in contention for England’s upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montenegro.
As the news was announced, some England fans of varying club allegiances seemed to look forward to the prospect of Rice donning the Three Lions shirt – in some cases, ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s Eric Dier.
Here is some of the reaction to the news on Twitter:
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
