West Ham’s Declan Rice clearly missed by Ireland against Wales

West Ham’s Declan Rice has recently been the centre of debate about nationality. Last night Ireland showed him why he should, or maybe shouldn’t, pick them.

Over the last couple of weeks young West Ham player Declan Rice has been at the centre of an argument about nationality. Despite playing a number of friendlies for Ireland, England has talked to him about playing for them. Having been born and raised in England, with an Irish grandparent, it’s understandable that he would have conflicts, and as a sensible 19 year old he wanted time.

Well last night Ireland showed why they would want him and, depending on Rice’s mentality, could have made his mind up. Martin O’Neil’s men were played off the park by Wales, and they were lucky it was only 4-1 at the end of the night. As you would expect, social media was busy. Some thought the performance would scare him off:

Which is understandable. Why would you want to play for a team that doesn’t look like seeing any major success any time soon? I mean, they’re not even challenging other home nations in this match! But others took another perspective:

So as far as I can see it, Rice now has a distinct choice. Does he decide to return to Ireland and play for a side that is going to struggle in competitive matches, but play often, or go with England, risk not getting picked regularly but have a much higher chance of success? Or it could just be what his heart tells him anyway!

He’s 19, so there’s a lot to consider for a youngster, and I think he will end up committing to Ireland. The only thing I think he wanted to consider was his options, and not just regret something later on. But I would also be tempted by the fact Ireland will need him a lot more than England do.