He is playing very well for Villa since he came back from injury. what a super player he is but the heart wants what the heart wants which unfortunately wasn't us.
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They had a choice, as far as the rules were concerned anyway. There just wasn't a huge degree of awareness about it and there was no right to switch association once until 2004, so if a player was selected at youth level by the IFA prior to then, he was cap-tied for good.
As for Declan Rice, I have a good feeling about him and wouldn't be concerned. He sounds very keen, committed and proud of his roots any time I've heard him. I think the media are making a bit more out of Southgate's words than is warranted. There's no suggestion or indication that Rice has even had his head turned. Southgate pretty much just said England were aware of the player after, it seemed, he was specifically asked about the player by an interviewer. At least, the way Southgate phrased his answer would suggest to me that someone else raised the topic of Rice to Southgate rather than Southgate just mentioning Rice out of the blue. It would lead me to think that the FA probably aren't focusing on Rice as intensely as the headlines would suggest.
Also mentioned, in relation to Grealish switching allegiances, that there was no mention of English interest in Grealish until he started appearing for Villa's first team, and then articles started appearing asking why he wasn't called into the England setup before this, which put pressure on the FA to do something (anything) about it. With the increased coverage of Rice's performances lately, segments on MOTD were mentioned, is what led to the questions to Southgate. He can't be seen to be weak on this, so had to say, otherwise he'd be crucified in the press.
I'm pretty confident he won't change allegiances, but there's no quotes from the player, or management in any of those pieces. The closest is the word "situation" in the mirror from Southgate when he was asked about Rice last week.
I agree with you Tets. It's been widely-reported but I'm not sure if the basis for the media's confidence is clear in any of the reports. Have no reason not to take it at face value though.
It's difficult to see somebody called "Declan" turning out for England.
The force is strong in the boy.
But not a Ciarán Gibbs...
They did, however, have a Ciarán Clark up to U20 (or is it Ciaran?). Quick question - the U21s are in with a shout of making the play-offs for the Euros and have a game against Azerbaijan on March 27th - should Rice play in that game instead of the friendly against Japan? If so, should he still play against Turkey on March 23rd?
Playing again today. Need to be capping him against Turkey.
West Ham look as if they're going to sign Patrice Evra. Not good news for Rice. Think he will be boiling with rage.
Evre is 37 in three months, i would be very suprised if he takes Rices place
Declan just needs to curry favour and chip in with a few goals
There's a grain of truth in that.