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James McClean criticises Declan Rice for switching from Ireland to England

James McClean criticises Declan Rice for switching from Ireland to England
© Reuters
McClean played for Northern Ireland at Under-21 level.

James McClean has told any other Irish player tempted to follow Declan Rice into the England squad to "sod off and play for someone else".

Derry-born McClean played under-21 football for Northern Ireland but opted to represent the Republic at senior level, where he played alongside Rice until the West Ham midfielder switched allegiance.

Asked about Rice in an interview with Irish broadcaster RTE, McClean said: "He said he was a proud Irishman. Then he said he was a proud Englishman.

"If he's both... good luck to him but I don't buy it. I think you're either one or the other.

"I was with Derry City when I got the call-up to play for the North, and I turned it down because it's not my country, it's never been my country. I'm an Irishman.

"It's not just Declan, it's anyone else. If you're not proud to be here and we're a stepping stone, then sod off and play for someone else.

"I'm an Irishman. I grew up on the island of Ireland, simple as that. We only want players here who want to play for Ireland, who feel Irish and are proud to be Irish."

Rice, who played in three friendlies for Ireland, came on as a substitute for England in their 5-0 Euro 2020 qualifying win over the Czech Republic and made his full debut in Monday night's 5-1 win in Montenegro.


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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City31252481216077
2Liverpool31237170185276
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs30201957322561
4Manchester UnitedMan Utd31187660411961
5Arsenal30186663392460
6Chelsea30176750331757
7Wolverhampton WanderersWolves31128113838044
8Leicester CityLeicester32135144243-144
9Watford31127124346-343
10West Ham UnitedWest Ham31126134146-542
11Everton31117134342140
12Bournemouth32115164358-1538
13Crystal Palace31106153841-336
14Newcastle UnitedNewcastle3198143140-935
15Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton3096153243-1133
16Southampton3189143550-1533
17Burnley3296173759-2233
18Cardiff CityCardiff3084182757-3028
19Fulham3245232972-4317
20Huddersfield TownHuddersfield3235241859-4114

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