Declan Rice says he is keen to forget about his brief international career with the Republic of Ireland and focus on his future with England.
The 20-year-old West Ham midfielder has been called up to the England squad for the first time after he switched international allegiance.
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Settling in nicely. 😃
London-born Rice, who has grandparents from Cork, had featured in three friendlies for the Republic of Ireland before declaring himself available for the Three Lions last month.
The decision has been heavily scrutinised, and Rice is determined to look forward rather than backwards ahead of the Euro 2020 qualifier against the Czech Republic on Friday.
“It was a really tough decision,” he told the Football Association.
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“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.
“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.â€
Rice has emerged as a standout player for West Ham this season and Gareth Southgate wasted no time calling him up.
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Declan Rice tussles with Eric Dier in training
A debut against the Czech Republic at Wembley may beckon, but Rice insists he is already ‘bursting with pride’.
“You can’t describe it. I just couldn’t believe it,” he added.
“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.
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There are eight live commentaries across the talkSPORT network this week. Find out what they are and where to hear them, below...
- Germany vs Serbia (Wednesday) – talkSPORT 2
- Kazakhstan vs Scotland (Thursday) – talkSPORT 2
- England vs Czech Republic (Friday) – talkSPORT
- Walsall vs Barnsley (Saturday) – talkSPORT 2
- Shrewsbury vs Portsmouth (Saturday) – talkSPORT 2
- Gibraltar vs Republic of Ireland (Saturday) – talkSPORT 2
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“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.â€
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