At West Ham, I was the last person to be offered a scholarship. I remember an Under 18 match against Fulham. I was 16 and had to prove myself. Everyone else already had their scholarship. It was probably one of my best games. Knowing that every day I'd have to fight has made me into the person I am today.

Declan Rice

Mum and dad are always looking out for me; they just want the best for me.

I was released by Chelsea at 14 years old. I remember it, a Tuesday night. On the Wednesday, I was training with Fulham, five minutes from my house, and then on the Thursday, I was training with West Ham. After one session at both clubs, they both wanted me.

Declan Rice

Years Year Wit

Growing up, John Terry was my obvious idol. I based my whole game on him.

Declan Rice

Wing Win Whole

There are no guarantees getting into an England squad: there's so many unbelievable players.

Declan Rice

Unbelievable UN Tin

The likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling - they give you all the confidence you need. They give you little pats on the back, tell you you're doing well.

Declan Rice

You Well Tell

You've got to test yourself against the best to know you are the best.

Declan Rice

Yourself Yours Your

I'm composed, and I'm a calm player.

Declan Rice

Pose Player Play

I like Jorginho, the way he plays and passes.

Declan Rice

Way T Plays

It's crazy to be spoken about like Mascherano. He's won everything: Champions League, La Ligas; he's been at World Cups.

Declan Rice

World Cups World Cup World

It's important to be vocal, and to be fair, I've always had that in me, to be honest. One of the things my dad has always said to me is make sure you're vocal, and before the game, I always get a text off him telling me to do the things well and again, 'Be vocal, Dec.'

Declan Rice

You Well Ways

I don't read too much into things and look at social media. It's all a load of crap.

Declan Rice

Too Much Too Things

I want to win trophies, even the Champions League. You have to be ambitious.

Declan Rice

You Win Want

No one is guaranteed their place in the squad.

Declan Rice

T Squad Rant

Without a doubt, the plan was always to stay at West Ham.

Declan Rice

Without Wit West

If I didn't want to be playing for Ireland, I wouldn't be here.

Declan Rice

Yin Would Want

When Chelsea let me go, it was really deflating. For me, as a youngster, it's all I ever knew - living 10 minutes from the training ground, going to loads of the games.

Declan Rice

Youngster Young You

I'm always composed, calm, and always believe in my own ability, and if I start well, then I end up having a good game, usually.

Declan Rice

Good Art Well

You're only out there for 90 minutes, and you have to give it everything you've got. It's a game of football, at the end of the day.

Declan Rice

You Very Thing

My pride at wearing the Irish shirt was always 100 per cent genuine. It was a great honour for myself and my family and something I will always cherish.

Declan Rice

Great Family Will

I've seen comparisons between myself and Bobby Moore. It's nice to be told there are similarities, but nobody will come close to him - what a player, what a man!

Declan Rice

Will Tie T

I've got to live up to some legends like Robbie Keane and Liam Brady.

Declan Rice

No dream is far away.

Declan Rice

I just have to stay focused and play football with a smile on my face.

Declan Rice

I know that nothing can be taken for granted, and there is still a lot of hard work ahead of me. However, I am looking forward to the challenge of trying to prove to the England manager that I am worthy of a place in his team, and hopefully continuing to progress my career in the right direction.

Declan Rice

Mark O'Toole from the FAI has looked after me well back in England to the point that I consider him a father figure.

Declan Rice

I had to move away from home at 14 and live in a club house in Romford for three years, only seeing my mum and dad twice a week.

Declan Rice

I like to do the simple things really well, keep the ball ticking.

Declan Rice

I've always been good at handling stuff mentally.

Declan Rice

The call-up is one of the best feelings you're ever going to feel.

Declan Rice

As you can hear, I am English - I am from England - and it was really good playing for Ireland.

Declan Rice

I only ever wanted to be a footballer.

Declan Rice

At West Ham, I was the last person to be offered a scholarship. I remember an Under 18 match against Fulham. I was 16 and had to prove myself. Everyone else already had their scholarship. It was probably one of my best games. Knowing that every day I'd have to fight has made me into the person I am today.

Declan Rice

Coming to the game, my first time with England at Wembley, it's a special moment.

Declan Rice

Everyone knows Chadwell Heath; it's historic.

Declan Rice

People who troll you want a reaction, and there's no point in doing that. I just try to focus on my football.

Declan Rice

I just try to keep level-headed and try to improve every day.

Declan Rice

I thought I did well for only being 19 years old on the international scene. I was proud of myself.

Declan Rice

The crowd are entitled to their opinion, and as players, we have to go out there and play well.

Declan Rice

Being compared to players, being linked to other teams - I don't really take any of it in, to be honest. If you think about it too much, you get caught up in it.

Declan Rice

I have a special connection with the fans. It's unbelievable.

Declan Rice

I love every minute of being at West Ham.

Declan Rice

I'm only 20; you've got your whole career ahead of you. I'm just focused on playing for West Ham and playing with a smile on my face and enjoying it.

Declan Rice

I think it's important that you're vocal during the match, especially at centre-half. You're basically the eyes and ears of the team, and if you don't open your mouth, it's not going to help the team out.

Declan Rice

Like so many people around the world, I consider myself to be of mixed nationality.

Declan Rice

I am a proud Englishman, having been born and raised in London. However, I am just as proud of my family's Irish heritage and my affinity and connection with the country.

Declan Rice

I have equal respect and love for both England and Ireland, and therefore, the national team I choose to represent is not a clear-cut, simple selection.

Declan Rice

I thought there was maybe going to be some booing. I didn't know how the fans would take to me. But the reception from the England fans has been top class. They have taken me in.

Declan Rice

I study for myself, my own games and others.

Declan Rice

As I'm growing up, going into holding midfield, I'm watching Busquets quite a lot for Barcelona. The way he controls the game, his reading of it, technically, defensively - everything about him cuts him out above the rest. I'm really enjoying watching him.

Declan Rice

England have never wanted me at underage level; it's always been Ireland.

Declan Rice