THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOT
Three Lions boss tells Rice’s critics not to be hypocrites over choosing nations
GARETH SOUTHGATE has defended Declan Rice for choosing England over Ireland.
The 20-year-old West Ham midfielder came under fire for pledging allegiance to the Three Lions despite playing three times for the Republic.
But England boss Southgate said: “It’s easy to be vocal when you haven’t walked in those shoes.”
Former Ireland international Kevin Kilbane was among those who voiced disapproval, as was Andy Townsend, who accused Rice of making “a mockery of international football”.
But Southgate pointed to an article on dual heritage by Nigerianborn Eni Aluko – who played 102 times for England women – as he threw a protective arm around his new recruit.
“I think Declan spoke really eloquently about being somebody of dual heritage and what that means,” he said. “I saw a really good article Eni Aluko wrote on that as well.
“For me it was easy, I could only play for England. For lots of people that have commented, that was the same.
“There were others who have commented despite the fact they didn’t play for the country of their birth, so they’ve benefited from some of the rules that are there.”
Kilbane (bottom), born in England to Irish parents, won 110 caps and turned down a call-up to England Under-18s while a youth player at Preston in favour of playing for Ireland.
Kent-born Townsend, now a BT Sport commentator, played 70 times for Ireland.
Rice qualifies for Ireland through his grandparents but can switch nations as he played only in friendlies. He is set to make his debut for
England against the
Czech Republic on
March 22.
Southgate (right) added: “He’s born in London and educated at an English academy.
“I don’t think there’s too much he needs to defend. I understand the fact there was a senior cap with Ireland, so that was always going to make it more complicated.
“Normally a player of that age making this decision would be able to do it in a much lower-profile case, as was Michael Keane, as was Matt Targett who came from Scotland, as was the case with David Brooks who went across to Wales.
“People will move countries because of family or work. Over 50 per cent of our younger players will have dual heritage or maybe more than two countries they can play for.
“It’s very much the case in other national sports, for example, our rugby team, our cricket team. The world is changing.”