Former Republic of Ireland, Wolves and Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy has revealed how disappointed he was when West Ham midfielder Declan Rice decided to snub the Republic of Ireland and chose to become an England International.
Ricer switched to play for the Three Lions after playing at various youth levels and three times at senior level for the Republic of Ireland in friendlies.
Mick McCarthy said “[Declan Rice] How it went down? Like a lead balloon. He played three games, scored and kissed the jersey. Players have a choice who they play for. If you’ve played a friendly, a full international, should that put you down as a certain country’s player, English, Irish, Scottish, whatever? I think it should. He had his choice, I went to see him and his Dad. I didn’t think he would come with us, he was erring on the side of playing with England. I was curt with him on the phone, I had to ring back and wish him well, a good career for England and West Ham. I was so disappointed we lost such a good player.”
