Shay Given blames Gareth Southgate for getting into Declan Rice’s head

Former Ireland international goalkeeper Shay Given has accused England manager Gareth Southgate of getting into West Ham United defender Declan Rice's head.

Rice, 19, has played three times for Ireland but can still declare for his native England as none of the three matches he played were classified as competitive fixtures. Rice withdrew from the Ireland squad before the latest round of internationals against Wales and Poland to deliberate on his international future. “He’s played three games for Ireland but I think Gareth Southgate or someone from England has got into his head,” Given told TalkSport. “I think once you pull on the senior jersey for your country that should be it – your colours nailed to the mast and you should play. “But the rules are not tied down to that. It’s a big decision, he’s a young man and I’m sure a lot of people would be in his ear about playing for England. “But we would love him to play for Ireland, of course we would.” Former Ireland defender Paul McGrath told SportsJOE earlier this month that he can't understand why Declan Rice would consider changing his allegiance to England and that he wishes he would have told Ireland earlier if he was thinking of going to England.

"I think it's strange that he would play up through the ranks and then, I don't know what he's doing, but if he declares for England I think that's wrong," said McGrath, on behalf of Repak’s Team Green. "I honestly do think it's wrong but it's up to the kid. He hasn't played a competitive game for Ireland so he has that right to do that but I just think it would be a very strange decision for him. "I wish he would have told Ireland earlier if he was thinking of going to England. I don't know what it's about. Why are they suddenly a team he wants to play for now? I genuinely don't understand that, I really don't."