Declan Rice's former international team-mate James McClean has condemned the West Ham midfielder for using Ireland as “a stepping stone”.
Rice drew considerable anger in Ireland when he switched allegiance to England.
He made his first start for Gareth Southgate’s side in Monday’s 5-1 win in Montenegro.
Despite making three appearances for Ireland, FIFA rules permitted Rice, 20, to make the change because none of those appearances were in competitive matches.
McClean was defiant when responding to the decision of Rice, who was born in Kingston, Surrey, but has Irish grandparents.
He said: “It’s not just Declan, it’s anyone else. If you’re not proud to be here and we’re a stepping stone, then sod off and play for someone else.
"He said he was a proud Irishman. Then he said he was a proud Englishman. If he’s both... good luck to him but I don’t buy it. I think you’re either one or the other.”
McClean, born in Derry, played seven times for Northern Ireland Under-21s but did not commit to their senior side. He added: “It’s never been my country. I’m an Irishman.”
