Rice is missing from the Republic's squad for their Nations League opener as he considers his England option
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has said that West Ham's Declan Rice is considering an option to declare for England.
London-born Rice, 19, has earned three Republic caps after making his debut against Turkey in March but has not played in a competitive international.
That means Rice, who has impressed for the Irish, can still switch to England.
"England have spoken to him. He is taking time to make his mind up," said the Republic manager.
"He has done brilliantly for us. I'm giving him a little bit of time."
As he deliberates over his decision, Rice has not been included in the Republic's provisional squad for the opening Uefa Nations League game against Wales on 6 September and the friendly against Poland five days later.
"I wouldn't be exaggerating to say Declan has loved it with us," added O'Neill.
"After the Turkey game his father was there and it was a joyous moment for them. We have done everything we can. He has been welcomed by the squad, the fans. He is taking time and I am respecting that."
If Rice does opt to declare for England, he will be following a similar path to Aston Villa's Jack Grealish who declared for the county of his birth in 2016 after previously playing for the Republic's under-21s.
Preston striker Callum Robinson and Norwegian-based goalkeeper Sean McDermott have been handed first senior call-ups by O'Neill.
Northampton-born Robinson, 23, qualifies for the Republic through his maternal grandmother, a Monaghan woman.
McDermott, who plays for Norwegian club Kristiansund, has played for the Republic's under-21s.
Republic of Ireland provisional squad
Goalkeepers: Doyle (Hearts), McDermott (Kristiansund BK), O'Hara (Macclesfield Town), Randolph (Middlesbrough)
Defenders: Coleman (Everton), Christie (Fulham), Doherty (Wolves), Duffy (Brighton), Keogh (Derby County), Clark (Newcastle United), Long (Burnley), Ward (Burnley), Egan (Sheffield Utd), Stevens (Sheffield United), Lenihan (Blackburn Rovers), Cunningham (Cardiff City)
Midfielders: Judge (Brentford), Hendrick (Burnley), Hourihane (Aston Villa), Browne (Preston), Williams (Millwall), Meyler (Reading), Arter (Cardiff City), Horgan (Hibernian), O'Dowda (Bristol City), McClean (Stoke City)
Forwards: Walters (Burnley), S Long (Southampton), Burke (Preston), Robinson (Preston), O'Brien (Millwall)
Source: bbc.com