Quotes from Declan Rice

Everyone knows Chadwell Heath; it's historic.

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.

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!

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

My family are very happy that I'm playing with Ireland. It's my dad's side, and he's really, really proud. He wants me to play for Ireland, and I'm really happy to play for Ireland.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

I've always been good at handling stuff mentally.

As a holding midfield player, you want movement and to play between the lines.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

Nothing is given in the Premier League, and it is tough for spots.

No one is guaranteed their place in the squad.

I am not taking for granted a call-up to the England squad or making any assumption about my future international career.

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

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.