Declan Rice, the key midfielder of Arsenal and one of England’s brightest football stars, has had a rather unique and complex international career — one that’s connected not to just one, but two national teams. His story of choosing which country to represent sparked major debates and highlights the tough decisions that many dual-nationality players face.
From his early days representing the Republic of Ireland to becoming an indispensable member of the England national team, Rice’s journey reflects remarkable growth and influence, shaping his illustrious international career along the way.
Republic of Ireland – The First Steps
Before becoming an icon of the England national team, Declan Rice began his international journey wearing the green wearing the green shirt of the Republic of Ireland — a formative chapter we explore in Profile & Career, tracing his first steps from youth prospect to professional midfielder on the international stage.
Rice made his senior debut for the Republic of Ireland in March 2018 under coach Martin O’Neill. He was given a chance in a friendly match against Turkey, coming off the bench and impressing with his confident performance, showing he was capable of handling the international stage. He went on to make two more appearances for Ireland, all in friendly matches.
At that time, Declan Rice was considered one of Ireland’s most promising young talents, tipped to be a future cornerstone of “The Boys in Green.” He was even awarded Young Player of the Year by the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland (PFAI) in March 2019 — recognition that came just weeks after his decision to switch national allegiance had been made public.
Switching National Allegiance
This was the most pivotal and controversial point in Declan Rice’s international career. After three friendly appearances for Ireland, Rice faced a tough choice: to continue with Ireland or switch to represent England. According to FIFA regulations, a player who has only played in non-competitive (friendly) matches for one national team can still change associations.
After long consideration, consulting with his family, friends, and coaches at both club and national levels, in February 2019 Declan Rice made a historic and headline-grabbing decision: he would represent England. The announcement triggered a wave of mixed reactions, particularly from Irish fans, many of whom felt disappointed or even betrayed at losing a talent they had so highly anticipated.
However, Rice expressed deep gratitude towards Ireland, explaining that it was not an easy decision — it was driven by personal aspirations, career ambition, and the desire to compete at the highest level. His case became a textbook example of the “dual-nationality dilemma” faced by many players with connections to multiple nations.
England – Becoming the Heart of the Three Lions
After choosing to represent England, Declan Rice quickly integrated into the squad and became one of the key players for the Three Lions, proving that his decision was indeed the right one for his career.
Official Debut for England
Shortly after declaring for England, Rice received his first call-up from coach Gareth Southgate. He made his official debut in March 2019, just one month later, during a Euro 2020 qualifier against the Czech Republic. Coming on as a substitute, Rice immediately impressed with his composure and efficiency in midfield, rewarding Southgate’s faith in him.
Influence and Achievements with the Three Lions
Since donning the England shirt, Declan Rice has established himself as a core player in Gareth Southgate’s system. Operating as a defensive midfielder, he brings balance, stability, and exceptional ball-winning ability to the team. His presence allows attacking players to push forward with confidence, knowing the midfield is well-covered. Rice’s vision, interceptions, and accurate passing have helped England gain greater control in crucial matches.
He has represented England in several major tournaments, leaving a strong mark in each:
- Euro 2020 (played in 2021): Rice was one of England’s standout performers, helping the team reach their first-ever European Championship final. He started nearly every match, displaying maturity, calmness, and leadership in midfield. Despite losing in the final, Rice’s impact was undeniable.
- World Cup 2022: In Qatar, Rice continued to be irreplaceable, anchoring England’s midfield on their journey to the quarterfinals. His consistency and reliability made him one of the tournament’s most dependable players.
- Euro 2024 (and beyond): Declan Rice remains a key figure and is expected to lead as one of the team’s main pillars in future campaigns, bringing both experience and a burning desire to achieve success with the Three Lions.
Declan Rice’s international journey is a compelling story of talent, growth, and difficult choices. From representing the Republic of Ireland to becoming a cornerstone of England’s national team, his path has been nothing short of remarkable. His decision not only reshaped his career but also highlighted the complexity of FIFA’s nationality rules. Despite the controversies, Declan Rice has proven himself at the highest level — becoming a symbol of English football and proof that sometimes, the road less traveled leads to the greatest success.
