When England plays the Republic of Ireland in Dublin, Declan Rice and Jack Grealish will face a hostile reception.
The two teams kick off their teams League campaigns on Saturday evening, with Lee Carsley, a former Ireland international, taking the Three Lions out for the first time since being appointed interim manager.
The relationships do not end there. Rice and Grealish are aiming to start against Ireland, where they have previously played, but expect whistles from Irish supporters who haven’t forgotten or forgiven.
When did Declan Rice play for Ireland?
Rice was born and raised in Kingston-Upon-Thames and qualified for Ireland through his paternal grandparents, Margaret and Jack, who were from Cork.
Read Also:Real Madrid Receive Bellingham Injury Boost
The former West Ham United player played for the Boys in Green at the Under-17, Under-19, and Under-21 levels while remaining a relatively unknown prospect in east London after being released by Chelsea at the age of 14. Reported By Metro.uk
Rice famously kissed the badge following the Under-21s’ late triumph, and he went on to play three friendly matches for the first team under Martin O’Neill, who was projected as a future Ireland captain.
However, by 2018, doubts about his long-term dedication had began to arise. Rice, who had not played a competitive game for Ireland under O’Neill, was free to make the transition.
Despite the efforts of then-manager Mick McCarthy, who pledged to construct a team around him, Rice officially declared for England in February 2019.
Irish fans in attendance on Saturday night are unlikely to forget Rice’s time in the Irish jersey. Grealish will find himself in a similar scenario.
When did Jack Grealish play for Ireland?
The Birmingham-born midfielder also qualified through his grandparents and represented Ireland at the Under-17, Under-18, and Under-21 levels.
In 2014, he denied a call-up to the senior team after being approached by Gareth Southgate, who was then in charge of England’s Under-21s.
Grealish formally declared for England the following year, and he spent several years playing for the Under-21s until making his senior debut in 2020.
Callum Robinson, Grealish’s old friend who came through the Aston Villa system with him, will be on the opposing side this weekend.
The Ireland forward has warned Grealish to expect a lot of boos from the crowd at the Aviva Stadium.
‘I believe he will prepare for some abuse, but that is part of the game,’ Robinson added.
COMMENTS