England vs Czech Republic: Declan Rice ‘bursting with pride’ after receiving first international call-up
The West Ham midfielder turned his back on the Republic of Ireland to represent England and revealed that the moment Gareth Southgate called him up was ‘one of the best feelings you’re ever going to feel’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.West Ham midfielder Declan Rice is determined to look forward after earning a first England call-up, which had him "bursting with pride" and feeling better from illness.
The 20-year-old was named in Gareth Southgate's squad for the Euro 2020 qualifiers after being granted Fifa clearance to switch international allegiance from the Republic of Ireland.
Rice had appeared for the Republic of Ireland's youth teams and also won three senior caps, but they were all in friendlies, which meant he was clear for a change of representation.
It remains to be seen whether Southgate will throw the midfielder into action when the Three Lions kick off their Group A campaign against the Czech Republic at Wembley before heading to Montenegro.
Rice, who was last week named Ireland's Young Player of the Year, will take whatever opportunity he is given to impress following what had been a drawn-out international transfer.
"You can't describe it. I just couldn't believe it," Rice said in an interview with the Football Association, broadcast via social media channels on Tuesday evening.
"I was ill the day last week that the squad got announced. My dad came home and we were watching the TV and it came up that I was in the squad.
"I was just bursting with pride. It's everything that you've wanted to work for as a kid and it has come true. The call-up is one of the best feelings you're ever going to feel."
Southgate maintains Rice's club form warranted his first England call-up, but offered no guarantees to the Hammers player.
"It was a really tough decision. I think everyone knows my situation with the Republic of Ireland. I've played there in the youth setup, but I had to make a decision that was best for me," Rice said.
"As you can hear, I am English, I am from England and it was really good playing for Ireland.
"Now I'm just really looking forward to the future and pulling on the England shirt. I've just got to look forward and forget about the past."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments