FIFA approves Rice's switch from Republic of Ireland to England

West Ham's Declan Rice is eligible for selection for England's opening Euro 2020 qualifiers this month after FIFA approved his switch of national allegiance from the Republic of Ireland.

The 20-year-old was born in London but played for Ireland – the country of his grandparents – from the Under-16 side upwards, making three senior appearances in friendly matches.

However, Rice confirmed last month that he intends to represent England in future, announcing his decision after deliberating for some months, consulting England boss Gareth Southgate, former Ireland manager Martin O'Neill and his successor Mick McCarthy in the process.

The switch has now been ratified, which means Rice can be called up by Southgate for England's games against the Czech Republic and Montenegro. The squad will be announced on March 13.

"FIFA can now confirm that the change of association of Declan Rice from Republic of Ireland to England has been approved," a FIFA spokesperson confirmed to Omnisport.

The midfielder has earned rave reviews this season, cementing his place in the West Ham team and winning the Young Player of the Year Award at the London Football Awards last month.

Was an honour to be at the London football awards last night in aid of @Willow_Fdn & was extra special to win young player of the year. Thank you to everyone that voted, my manager, team mates & of course my family #LFA19 pic.twitter.com/MhjyUv2NQN

— Declan Rice (@_DeclanRice) 1 March 2019