Back to the Premier League Newsfeed

‘England have got into his head’ – Given hits out at Southgate over Rice pursuit

Former Ireland international goalkeeper Shay Given has criticised Gareth Southgate and the England managerial staff for getting into the head of teenage defender Declan Rice.

Capped three times for Ireland, the 19-year-old West Ham player is not yet tied to the country after only featuring in friendlies.

Rice, who was born in Surrey and qualifies for Ireland due to his grandparents, has impressed for the Hammers this term after moving into a defensive midfield role.

Editors' Picks

Martin O’Neill had hoped that he would feature in the Nations League match against Wales earlier this season, but he pulled out of the squad.