MX23RW : Saturday, March 16 16:11:48

A closer look at new England midfielder Declan Rice

A closer look at new England midfielder Declan Rice
© Reuters
Rice has three caps for the Republic of Ireland but his international allegiance switch to England was approved by FIFA last week.

West Ham midfielder Declan Rice has been called up to the England squad for the first time for the forthcoming Euro 2020 Qualifiers.

Gareth Southgate has picked the 20-year-old in his squad for England's games against the Czech Republic and Montenegro later this month.

Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at Rice's career so far.

West Ham debut

Having been included in a couple of matchday squads towards the end of the 2016-17 season, Rice made his senior debut against Burnley at Turf Moor on the final day of that campaign – coming on as a stoppage-time substitute in a 2–1 win. His full senior debut came at the beginning of the following season in a 3–2 defeat at Southampton.

First goal

Rice scored his first career goal two days before his 20th birthday on January 12 this year to fire West Ham to a 1-0 home win over Arsenal. He struck three minutes into the second half, when Granit Xhaka made a mess of clearing a cross and Samir Nasri tapped the ball to Rice, who gleefully curled it home.

Ireland award

Republic of Ireland v Israel – 2019 UEFA Under 21 Qualifying – Group Five – Tallaght Stadium
Declan Rice made his debut for Republic of Ireland against Turkey in March 2018 (Niall Carson/PA)

Rice was named Republic of Ireland's young player of the year on Tuesday — despite no longer representing them. The midfielder decided in February that his international future lies with England, even though he has Irish grandparents and has already received three Republic of Ireland caps at senior level. His switch was ratified by FIFA last week and England manager Southgate has included Rice in his squad at the first opportunity.

Share this article now:
Declan Rice celebrates scoring for West Ham United against Newcastle United on March 2, 2019
Read Next:
Rice to get England call after being named Ireland's best young player
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City30242479215874
2Liverpool30227168175173
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs30201957322561
4Arsenal30186663392460
5Manchester UnitedMan Utd30177658401858
6Chelsea29176650311957
7Wolverhampton WanderersWolves30128103836244
8Watford30127114244-243
9Leicester CityLeicester31116143943-439
10West Ham UnitedWest Ham31116143845-739
11Bournemouth31115154255-1338
12Everton30107134142-137
13Newcastle UnitedNewcastle3198143039-935
14Crystal Palace3096153641-533
15Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2996143242-1033
16Burnley3187163558-2331
17Southampton3079143450-1630
18Cardiff CityCardiff3084182757-3028
19Huddersfield TownHuddersfield3145221754-3717
20Fulham3045212868-4017

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for Β£1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for Β£12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account