Martin O'Neill looks set to lose out on Declan Rice's services for the Republic of Ireland, with reports this morning that the West Ham midfielder is set to declare for England.
The 19-year-old had taken some time away during Ireland's UEFA Nations League opener against Wales and their friendly with Poland to think about his international future.
Matt Lawton and Matt Barlow report in today's Daily Mail that Rice is "leaning toward" declaring for England.
"Rice's advisors insist that he is yet to make any decision but Sportsmail sources say he is leaning towards playing for Gareth Southgate's side," the report says.
Despite having represented Ireland in international friendlies against the USA, France and Turkey, Rice still has not yet committed to the Irish national team and, if the report is to be believed, is likely to move toward Southgate's youthful England set-up.
A positive run in this summer's World Cup, which resulted in a place in the semi-final of the competition, may have contributed to Rice's decision to rethink his future in a green jersey.
Eric Dier appears to be Rice's direct competition for a spot in the starting line-up, but the 19-year-old has impressed this year for the Hammers under Manuel Pellegrini.
You can watch OTB AM from 7:45 every weekday morning on our Facebook, YouTube and Periscope channels.
If you would like to see more sporting videos, like and subscribe to our YouTube channel or log onto offtheball.com.
