Harry Kane believes that Declan Rice will “give everything” for England after the West Ham player reported for international duty with the Three Lions for the first time this week.
Rice, 20, controversially took the decision to switch allegiances from the Republic of Ireland to play for England earlier this year, despite previously earning three senior caps with the Irish side.
However the West Ham midfielder has been in superb form this season and has been handed the chance to play for the country of his birth by Gareth Southgate.
And while England captain Kane admits that it was a hard decision for Rice, he has offered him his full backing.
“I’m sure it was a tough one for him. He’s enjoying the season he has been having so far,” said Kane, as quoted by talkSPORT.
“He took the time with his family and close friends and the decision he made is one he thinks will best for his future and no-one can blame him for that.
“I can tell just by being with him for a couple of days he will give everything for his country.”
OPINION
It was a widely-debated decision by Rice, but at the end of the day, it was the best decision for the West Ham ace to play for England. He is bound to play at more World Cups and more European Championships with the Three Lions than he would have with Ireland, and based on England’s performances in 2018 at the World Cup and in the Nations League, there is every chance he could follow Bobby Moore’s footsteps and win silverware for his nation. That is definitely going to be the biggest factor in Rice’s decision to quit Ireland and opt for England, and who can really blame him? At the end of the day it’s his career and he needs to be selfish in a way. West Ham fans will be praying he doesn’t go and quit on them anytime soon though because he has been brilliant in Manuel Pellegrini’s midfield this term. Manchester City have been linked with the London-born ace, but hopefully he stays put with the Hammers for the timebeing.