Rice set for England call-up to Euro 2020 qualifiers after completing switch from Republic of Ireland
Gareth Southgate has made no secret of his desire to bring the West Ham ace into the Three Lions fold since he announced he no longer wanted to represent the Republic of Ireland
DECLAN RICE is set to win his first England call-up just eight days after Fifa approved his switch from the Republic of Ireland.
Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate is ready to name the West Ham midfielder, 20, in his squad on Wednesday for the Euro 2020 qualifiers.
Crystal Palace full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 21, may also get his chance.
Southgate has made no secret of his desire to bring Rice into the England fold since he announced he no longer wanted to represent the Republic of Ireland.
Southgate sees him as the long-term replacement for Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson.
He also likes Rice’s versatility as he can play either as a defensive midfielder or a centre-back.
Rice’s switch infuriated some Irish fans and he explained: “I am a proud Englishman, having been born and raised in London. However, I am just as proud of my family’s Irish heritage.”
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Wan-Bissaka, who has represented both England and DR Congo at youth level, is ready to step up because of a muscle injury to Tottenham right-back Kieran Trippier.
Burnley keeper Tom Heaton is in line for a recall.
England host the Czech Republic at Wembley on Friday March 22, then visit Montenegro the following Monday.