West Ham’s Rice picks England over Ireland

WEST Ham midfielder Declan Rice announced on Wednesday that he has decided to submit a written request to FIFA for the transfer of his international registration from Ireland to England. The highly rated 20-year-old was born in London but qualified for Ireland via paternal grandparents and after playing at youth level went on to make three senior appearances, all in friendly matches. However, after becoming a regular in Manuel Pellegrini’s side this season, Rice has chosen to switch his allegiance. “I have equal respect and love for both [countries] and therefore the national team I choose to represent is not a clear-cut, simple selection,” he said.