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Published 16:29 13 Feb 2019 GMT
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In 2018, he graduated to the senior side and made three appearances in friendlies under Martin O'Neill. In each game, the Londoner was Ireland's best player.
However, he asked to be omitted from the squad for the Uefa Nations League game against Wales in Cardiff last September.
Rice had been approached by England coach Gareth Southgate about playing for the nation of his birth.
As he had only played in friendlies for Ireland, he was eligible to switch allegiance.
https://twitter.com/_DeclanRice/status/1095714256421560320
The FAI released a statement of their own after Rice made his decision.
It appears new Ireland manager Mick McCarthy is taking it in his stride and won't be dwelling on the matter for too long.
The statement reads:
"The Football Association of Ireland can confirm that Declan Rice (West Ham United) has opted to purse his international career with England. "Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy said: "Declan rang me today and said he has decided to give it a go with England. Good luck to him." "Rice played three senior international games for Ireland in 2018 having previously represented Ireland at underage level.
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