Michael Keane has revealed that he used his Republic of Ireland call-ups at underage level as a way to prepare himself for playing for England.
The Everton defender picked up 4 caps for the Republic of Ireland at under-17 and under-19 levels, before switching over in 2012.
Declan Rice England call-up has midfielder "bursting with pride"
Speaking about Declan Rice's decision to make a similar switch on BBC 5 Live, he said: "I always felt like I belonged with England, that's why I always dreamed of playing for England.
"When I was with Ireland, I wasn't good enough to play for England at that time. And I was only young and small and still developing.
"I had in the back of my head that hopefully one day I could play for England.
"I know when I switched, I felt really, really English. My dad's Irish, but I don't know any of his Irish family, so I've never really felt like I'm fully Irish.
"I don't know how Declan feels, but that was part of my thinking behind my choice."
Keane has since earned five caps for the Three Lions.
Keane's twin brother Will, who is currently on loan at Ispwich Town from Hull City, is in the process of making the opposite move.
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