Declan Rice says he still struggles to describe the moment he found out he had earned his first England call-up.
The West Ham United midfielder was named in Gareth Southgate’s senior squad for the opening UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers against Czech Republic and Montenegro this month.
And the 20-year-old revealed he was under the weather last week when Southgate announced his initial squad, but his day was certainly brightened after hearing of his call-up.
“You can’t describe it. A straight smile, I just couldn’t believe it," he told the official England YouTube channel.
"I was ill the day last week when the squad got announced. My dad came home and we were watching the TV and it came up that I was in the squad.
“I was just bursting with pride. It’s everything that you’ve wanted to work for as a kid and it has come true. The call-up is one of the best feelings you’re ever going to feel.”
Having featured for the Republic of Ireland at youth level and in three non-competitive senior games, Rice made the decision last month to transfer his international registration to England.
And the man from Kingston-upon-Thames now just wants to look forward as he aims to earn his first Three Lions cap.
“It was a really tough decision," he admitted.
"I think everyone knows my situation with the Republic of Ireland. I’ve played there in the youth setup, but I had to make a decision that was best for me.
“As you can hear, I am English, I am from England and it was really good playing for Ireland. Now I’m just really looking forward to the future and pulling on the England shirt. I’ve just got to look forward and forget about the past.”
