Pellegrini: Rice must follow heart on international future
MANUEL PELLEGRINI has told West Ham youngster Declan Rice to follow his heart as he chooses between England and the Republic of Ireland. London-born Rice, 19, has played in three friendlies for Martin O’Neill’s team but is considering a switch after an approach from England. His allegiance cannot be reversed once he has played in a competitive fixture. West Ham manager Pellegrini said: ‘I think his heart must decide if he feels more Irish or more English. Maybe it can be easier for him to play for Ireland. With England he will have big competition but I think he is able to take that challenge.’ Rice, who has grandparents from Cork, has not been named in Ireland’s squad for their UEFA Nations League game against Wales a week today and a friendly against Poland five days later. Manager O’Neill said he was ‘giving him time’ because of interest from England, who today name their squad for a Nations League game against Spain and friendly against Switzerland.