Declan Rice has shocked the Republic of Ireland and switched his international allegiance to England.

The West Ham midfielder had already played three times for the Republic in friendlies, but because he is yet to feature in a competitive fixture, he is still eligible to play for Gareth Southgate‘s side.

Here, Sportsmail’s JAMIE REDKNAPP assesses whether Rice made the right call by seeking an England call-up. 

Sportsmail’s Jamie Redknapp believes Declan Rice can be a natural leader for England

This will have been the hardest decision Declan Rice has ever had to make.

He is a grounded, down-to-earth young man. 

The considered statement he released shows just how long and hard he has thought about declaring for England.

He will know he is taking a risk.

Had Declan chosen to stick with the Republic of Ireland, they would have built their team around a player of his quality.

Rice played three times for the Republic before switching allegiance to England on Wednesday

He may have to wait longer to become a mainstay in England’s midfield but, in Gareth Southgate, he has a manager who has consistently given chances to young players.

Declan has shown incredible maturity in learning his position in defensive midfield.

He picks pockets, makes timely blocks and reads the game well. When I watch him at West Ham I see a natural leader.

He is always talking and organising his team-mates.

I would be amazed if he is not in next month’s squad for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Czech Republic and Montenegro.

His decision is great news for Southgate and England.

Blackpool supporters have taken a giant leap towards removing one of the most unpopular owners in football history.

Owen Oyston’s tumultuous reign at Bloomfield Road, spanning three decades, ended after court-appointed receivers took control of the Seasiders on Wednesday night.

The 85-year-old, a convicted rapist, was forced to relinquish power on a dramatic day at London‘s High Court.

Blackpool supporters moved a step closer to removing unpopular owner Owen Oyston

Oyston still owes former director Valeri Belokon £25million following an ‘unfair prejudice’ case in 2017 and Justice Marcus Smith appointed insolvency firm David Rubin and Partners to force through a sale.

A representative for Belokon told Sportsmail: ‘Mr Belokon expresses his hope that this will herald a new chapter in the proud history of a prestigious club.

‘The application was a ground-breaking one in the football industry, with the judge confirming that it was in the interests of justice for the appointment to be made.

‘It potentially marks a watershed moment for Blackpool and its loyal fanbase.’ 

Blackpool, eighth in League One, now run the risk of a 12-point deduction after the club unprecedentedly entered receivership. The EFL will meet on March 6 to discuss whether that should come to pass.

Owen Oyston (right) has been in charge of the Seasiders for three decades

Given that all football-related assets are being discharged, it raises the possibility of Oyston’s eviction from his penthouse apartment at one corner of the club’s stadium.

There was amusement and bemusement in equal measure on Wednesday, noticeably from Justice Smith, when a lawyer for Oyston claimed Blackpool beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday. They drew 1-1.

Blackpool Supporters’ Trust are expected to meet with the receivers before the weekend. Their spokesman, Tim Fielding, said: ‘It’s a momentous day. From my perspective it’s more important than promotion to the Premier League.’