Declan Rice says choosing England over Republic of Ireland was the toughest decision of his career | Football news

Rice received the Young Player of the Year award at the London Football Awards

Declan Rice spoke for the first time since committing her international future with England over the Republic of Ireland, calling it "the toughest decision" of her career so far.

Rice, who has Irish grandparents, played for the Republic at youth level and went international three times at senior level in friendlies in 2018 but last month changed her loyalty to England, the country of her birth.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed continued club-level success with West Ham this season, attracting the attention of England captain Gareth Southgate and winning the Young Player of the Year award at the London Football Awards on Thursday .

Speaking after receiving the award, Rice told Sky Sports News of his enthusiasm with the prospect of joining the national team.

"It's the hardest decision I've had to make so far in my career," he said.

"Being so young, I do not think I would be in a position to make that call, but it's one I've done and one I'm looking forward to in the future."

It was not entirely easy for Rice. He was withdrawn in the interval from goalkeeper Manuel Pellegrini on the first day of the season in 4-0 at Liverpool.

But the views of Rice and West Ham have steadily improved as the campaign runs out and the midfielder says it's just smiles now.

"I made some mistakes last year but I recovered from that," Rice said. "I was replaced by Liverpool, knowing I had to work harder to get back on the team.

"But I found my place on the team, the manager showed a lot of belief and trust in me. I'm very grateful to him for that.

"I'm loving it, I'm really enjoying it. Last year was difficult because I was in and out of the team and the beginning of this season was difficult."

"I'm playing with a smile on my face, which is the main thing."