Danny Murphy has urged Declan Rice to pledge his international allegiance to England.
The West Ham youngster has been capped for the Republic of Ireland but could still change his allegiance, and is expected to make his decision in the near future.
The 20-year-old has been a standout performer in Manuel Pellegrini’s Hammers side this season, and has attracted a lot of attention.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Match of the Day pundit Murphy said: “There’s two aspects to this. One is tournament football, European Championships, World Cups.
“Whether you like it or not, you are going to play more of those if you play for England than you are for Republic of Ireland, history tells us that one the last couple of decades. That’s a big thing for a footballer.
“The other thing is competition for places. If you’re looking and you’re a young lad trying to get into the international squad, holding midfielder is the one area in our squad that’s up for grabs. Could he make that position his own? He’s got a good chance.
“Purely from a footballing perspective, there’s only one option.”
“Whether you like it or not, you’ll play in more tournaments with England.”
“Holding midfield is one area that’s up for grabs in the England squad.”
“There’s only one option.”
Danny Murphy explains why Declan Rice should chose to play for England ??????? pic.twitter.com/IfY95U3e8h
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) January 14, 2019
OPINION
Fans of both England and the Republic of Ireland will be desperate for Rice to choose their country. The 19-year-old has been incredible so far this season, and is quickly becoming the most exciting young player in the Premier League. Murphy raises a very valid point when he suggests that the young man has a good chance of making the defensive midfield position his own in Gareth Southgate’s England side, and what a boost it would be to be able to add his name to the burgeoning list of young English talent braking through at the moment. There are few, if any, teenagers in the position Rice has made his own that play with the same maturity and assurance that he does, and surely he is destined for the very, very top. It’s true that Mick McCarthy would probably build a team around him if he chooses Ireland, but it’s not unreasonable to suggest that he is good enough to become the kingpin in England’s midfield for the next 15 years, and that is a frighteningly exciting prospect.