Declan Rice: ‘You’re either English or you’re Irish,’ Joey Barton says on West Ham star’s switch from Ireland to England

Declan Rice: ‘You’re either English or you’re Irish,’ Joey Barton says on West Ham star’s switch from Ireland to England
Joey Barton admits he was left puzzled by Declan Rices decision to switch allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to England.The 20-year-old West Ham midfielder was named in yesterdays Three Lions squad for the upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montenegro later this month.London-born Rice, who has grandparents from Cork, had featured in three friendlies for the Republic of Ireland before announcing he would make himself available for England selection last month.And Fleetwood manager Barton argues that while Rice could enjoy greater success in an England shirt, he disagrees with the youngsters decision.2

Declan Rice has earned his first England call-up

Its a strange one, he told talkSPORT at Cheltenham.I tend to think that once youve made your bed, youve got to lie in it.If youve played for Ireland youre either Irish or youre English. I think thats quite a straightforward decision. Hes made the choice now. For me, I think hes a quality player without a shadow of a doubt.There are a lot of Irish people here at Cheltenham so Ill have to keep my voice down, but youve got more chance of winning a major competition at international level if you play for England as opposed to Ireland.talkSPORT listeners will be familiar with Bartons unfiltered opinions after his stint as a co-host on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast last year.2

Barton spoke to talkSPORT at Cheltenham

After swapping the world of punditry to become Fleetwood manager, the former Manchester City midfielder admits its tougher than he imagined.Its a lot different to how I thought it was sitting in the studio with Alan Brazil on a Monday morning, he added.Sitting there pontificating about how everyone got it wrong and Id put the world to rights. Now the hairs going a bit grey. But its something Ive always wanted to do and Ive gone in at the deep end.

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There are eight live commentaries remaining across the talkSPORT network this week. Find out what they are and when you can hear them, below...

• Dynamo Kyiv vs Chelsea (Thursday) talkSPORT 2
• Watford vs Crystal Palace (Saturday) talkSPORT
• Leeds vs Sheffield United (Saturday) talkSPORT 2
• West Ham vs Huddersfield (Saturday) talkSPORT 2
• Swansea vs Manchester City (Saturday) talkSPORT
• Wolves vs Manchester United (Saturday) talkSPORT
• Millwall vs Brighton (Sunday) talkSPORT 2
• Fulham vs Liverpool (Sunday) talkSPORT

This years been a real learning curve, but Ive enjoyed every minute of it.Hopefully I can continue to get better at it and climb up the league structures.As a young British manager you have to earn the right to manage in the Premier League. Hopefully one day Ill get the opportunity to make an impact on the highest stage possible.

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