Rice relieved to escape boos in wake of his IRA message
Declan Rice has admitted he feared he would be booed by England’s fans for the pro-ira social media message he posted as a teenager.
The midfielder wrote “UP THE RA. Wait Till We Draw England”, on Instagram when he was a member of the Republic of Ireland’s junior squads. That message emerged again on the eve of his England senior debut after switching allegiances.
Rice came on as a substitute in last Friday’s 5-0 thrashing of the Czech Republic at Wembley, then started for the first time in the 5-1 win over Montenegro in Podgorica on Monday night.
Despite apologising for the IRA message before those Euro 2020 qualifiers and stressing it did not represent his views, 20-year-old Rice was concerned it could be held against him.
“I thought there was maybe going to be some booing,” said the West Ham United midfielder. “I didn’t know how the fans would take to me. But the reception from the England fans has been top class. They have taken me in.
“To get the claps at the end [of the Montenegro game] and coming on at Wembley to a massive roar, I thank them very much, because it gives me the confidence to perform.
“At Wembley with the stuff the night before that happened, you never know in football. I thought some people might not be happy. So to get the roar, to get the clapping now, I am delighted.
“I didn’t feel too bad [when the message came out] because, like I said in the statement, I was 15 years old. They aren’t my beliefs at all. I was a kid. I’ve just kept a level head all week. Tried to do what I’ve been doing at my club, go out and perform and put it behind me.”
Rice’s family were among the Podgorica crowd to see him sing the national anthem for the first time as an England player.
“To get my debut the other night, that was special and then when I found out that I was starting, I was bursting with pride,” he said. “The whole week has been an amazing experience, training with unbelievable, world-class players – that’s who I want to put myself with.
“Walking out was amazing. I had my whole family here. Singing the anthem, I could see them while I was singing it. That was incredible.”
Able to play in midfield or in the centre of defence, Rice revealed the two players he has been studying.
“[Sergio] Busquets is the one I’ve watched since I was a kid,” Rice added. “I also like Jorginho.”