It has been a very swift rise to the top for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice in the last few months.

The 20-year-old has become a regular for the Hammers and switched allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to England.

Rice featured for Ireland in three friendly games but now has two appearances for the Three Lions since opting to represent the country of his birth.

The youngster made his debut last Friday against the Czech Republic, and was handed a first start yesternight against Montenegro.

Even Rice can’t believe he is now playing alongside stars he used to idolise and ask for pictures with just few years ago, and here is a picture of him and Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane.

From asking @HKane for a picture in 2014, to my @England teammate in 2019. What a journey! pic.twitter.com/XX3eMgHk3K

— Declan Rice (@_DeclanRice) March 26, 2019

Rice has become crucial to manager Manuel Pellegrini’s plans at the London Stadium and is hoping to establish himself as a key player for Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate ahead of the concluding rounds of the Nations League and Euros 2020.

The youngster is proving to be one of the best players in his position in the Premier League and has already reportedly attracted Manchester City.