Should Declan Rice Choose England over Ireland?

Just a few months after receiving Man of the Match honors for two Ireland friendlies Declan Rice is at an international crossroad. The decision lies between his grandparent’s connection to Ireland and his birthright of being born in England. Will the promising young player choose England and battle or walk into Ireland’s team?

Ireland has named their squad for an upcoming friendly against Wales with a big omission in defensive midfield – Declan Rice. Rice had previously put in a Man of the Match performance against the USA, leading from the midfield as the Irish squad came from behind to wain 2-1 and impressed onlookers with his maturity and ability.

Rice initially declared for Ireland due to his grandmother’s nationality and has played as a teenager in their youth and senior team, however, was born in England. This means that despite his playing for Ireland in the past he can still decide to choose England over Ireland should he decide to do so.

It’s clear that Ireland has appreciated his performances for their side, having provided youth and strength to their line up in a burgeoning role as a defensive midfielder. His versatility in position, as he can play center back very well, is an added bonus to the player and something both Ireland and England would have circled in the young player.

Ireland manager Martin O’Neill has said about Rice not being named that he is still deciding his international future:

"“He (Rice) is still deliberating. He is a young man. England have spoken to him. He is taking time to make his mind up. He has done brilliantly for us. I’m giving him a little bit of time.”"

It’s clear the decision is not being taken lightly by Rice who is being lured away from the side that gave him a chance to play internationally to a more elite international team in England. As it stands not Rice will not play in Ireland’s next match, and Gareth Southgate will likely continue to remain in his ear about the switch to England.

What the decision essentially is for Rice is whether he wants immediate game time with Ireland or the uphill battle that would come with declaring for England. Currently, England is far ahead of Ireland in international standing, as England ranks 6th globally as opposed to Ireland’s 29th spot.

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If he were to declare for England he would have to surpass Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier in defensive midfield in order to get any starting time in meaningful games. He would line up against the likes of World Cup attendees Fabian Delph and Reuben Loftus-Cheek as the second tier midfield position and would have to surpass Jonjo Shelvey, Jake Livermore, and Harry Winks who are pressuring to make the squad.

Another factor in Rice’s delayed decision is his current struggles at the Premier League level. He was a mainstay and runner-up for Hammer of the Year in the 2017/18 season under Slaven Bilic and David Moyes as a center back. The stability and consistency that Rice brought to a depleted defensive back line at West Ham were unbelievable for a teenager and he deserved the accolades he earned last season.

His success with Ireland in defensive midfield saw new manager Manuel Pellegrini gamble on him being able to compete at the Premier League level this season but has struggled so far. If Rice wants to get his personal, club level issues resolved before he commits to an international team for his professional career I can’t blame him there.

Big fish in a little pond, or little fish in a big pond; what will Rice choose for his international career? He can fight for a position in England, which I believe he has the talent to earn, although it will take far more time and he’ll be under the microscope the entire way. Or Rice can choose to help build up a program in Ireland that he would be the centerpiece of. Whatever he decides Rice has a promising future ahead of him in International football.