Speaking to the Independent and Miguel Delaney Declan Rice has spoken about the moment he knew he was going to chose England over Ireland at International level.
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“I was actually in Dubai,” said Rice, “There was a massive football fanzone with a massive dome and it was crazy. It was mental.”
When asked if this was the time he was thinking about changing from Ireland, Rice replied: “Yeah, it was done then.
“We spoke about it so much but obviously growing up watching England in tournaments as well… you just feel the proper buzz, the effects and the desire of the country for the players to do well.
2015 – Declan Rice posts Up The RA on instagram
2018 – wins three Ireland senior caps
Also 2018 – spends the summer supporting England at the World Cup and singing God Save the Queen
2019 – Named FAI Young Player of the Year after declaring for England.Life moves fast.
— Will O'Callaghan (@willocallaghan) June 9, 2021
“I remember watching the Panama game, the Tunisia game, Sweden game. It was incredible.
“The singing before the game, the national anthem. Just being a part of it. I was a fan for that tournament so to be part of this tournament is unbelievable.
“It was like that, even in Dubai. There were thousands of English fans. You see when Trippier scored, all the fanzones in England going crazy. That’s what I want to be a part of now. I just can’t wait to experience this and just get the real buzz and excitement of the tournament.”