Declan Rice named in England squad day after winning Ireland’s young player of the year award
In-form West Ham midfielder named in the Three Lions squad for upcoming European Championship qualifiers
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DECLAN RICE has been named in Gareth Southgate's squad for England's Euro qualifiers this month.
The West Ham midfielder has been given his first call-up since opting to switch from Republic of Ireland.
It comes after being crowned Ireland's Young Player of the Year despite switching allegiance.
The 20-year-old is the only new face in the Three Lions squad but there is a return for Burnley's Tom Heaton.
When quizzed on his decision to include Rice, Southgate said: "His form warrants it. There were never guarantees made to him but his form is warrants it.
"I know people are questioning the rules but they are the rules.
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"There aren't many of his age playing regularly in the Premier League.
"What I like about our squad is that they want to be among the best in the world."
England face a double header of fixtures against Czech Republic on Friday before their clash with Montenegro on Monday.
Joe Hart misses out but Southgate has kept his faith in Kieran Trippier despite his lack of form.
Harry Winks and Jesse Lingard are ruled out with injury while Callum Wilson earned a call-up despite his recent return from injury.
Crystal Palace full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka will feel unfortunate to have been left out despite his fine form this season along with Southampton's James Ward-Prowse.
Southgate has backed Jordan Pickford following a poor display against Newcastle at the weekend - but refuses to say any player is undroppable.
He said: "Jordan has played extremely well for us. I think you could look at any of the players across the squad and say they’ve had moments where they’ve played well and moments where they’ve had difficult afternoons. No question that was the case for Jordan at the weekend.
"But if I look at what he’s done with us, and when you’re picking your squad there has to be an element of what they are doing with their club and an element of what they’re doing and have done with us, his performances with us have been excellent.
"So, I’m never keen to say that this player is the number one, and that’s it, and this player in that position is our number one choice because you’ve always got to have competition for places.
"But, we’re pleased with what Jordan’s done and we’ve got to help him through what was hopefully a blip at the weekend. Like everybody else, he has to train well and perform well."
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