West Ham starlet Declan Rice dismisses England interest as he jets out with Ireland for Turkey friendly
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Declan Rice insisted England would be wasting their time in asking him to change allegiances.
The West Ham starlet has flown out to Turkey with the Republic of Ireland squad, and is adamant he will not turn.
This will be his first involvement with Martin O’Neill’s side proper, having previously trained with them before last year’s trip to America.
He is poised to win his first cap in Friday’s friendly in Antalya, before linking up with the Under-21s for a Euros qualifier against Azerbaijan on Tuesday.
(Image: Getty)
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
England boss Gareth Southgate said in January he was keen on London-born Rice, who can play in midfield or defence.
But the 19-year-old said: “There’s no decision to be made. I have not had a call from the FA and England have never wanted me at under-age level — it’s always been Ireland.”
Asked if he would meet Southgate for a chat, Rice added: “No, not at all. I’m fully focused on Ireland.”