Declan Rice and Jack Grealish will be in for a hostile reception when England take on Republic of Ireland in Dublin.
The two nations begin their Nations League campaign on Saturday evening with Lee Carsley, a former Ireland international, leading the Three Lions out for the first time since being named interim manager.
The connections don’t stop there. Rice and Grealish are hoping to start against the country they both previously played for – with boos expected from Irish fans who haven’t forgotten or forgiven.
When did Declan Rice play for Ireland?
Born and raised in Kingston-Upon-Thames, Rice qualified for Ireland through his paternal grandparents, Margaret and Jack, who hailed from Cork.
The former West Ham United star represented the Boys in Green at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level while he was still very much an under-the-radar talent in east London having been released by Chelsea at 14 years old.
Rice famously kissed the badge after a late win for the Under-21s and went on to represent the first team in three friendly matches under Martin O’Neill, tipped as a future Ireland captain.
But by 2018, doubts over his long-term commitment had begun to emerge. Having not played for Ireland in a competitive game under O’Neill, Rice was free to switch.
Despite efforts from then boss Mick McCarthy who promised to build a team around him, Rice officially declared for England in February 2019.
Irish fans in attendance on Saturday night are unlikely to have forgotten Rice’s time in Irish colours. Grealish will also find himself in a similar situation.
When did Jack Grealish play for Ireland?
The Birmingham-born midfielder also qualified through his grandparents and played for Ireland at Under-17, Under-18 and Under-21 level.
In 2014, he declined a call-up to the senior side having been contacted by Gareth Southgate, then in charge of England’s Under-21s.
The following year, Grealish officially declared for England, playing for the Under-21s for a number of years before making his senior debut in 2020.
Callum Robinson, an old friend of Grealish’s having come through the Aston Villa academy together, will be on the opposing side this weekend.
The Ireland forward has warned Grealish can expect plenty of boos from those in attendance at the Aviva Stadium.
‘I think he’ll be getting ready for a bit of abuse but that’s part of it, it’s part of the game,’ Robinson said.
‘He’s old enough and with being a senior player now, that stuff’s going to come.
‘I’d be surprised if he doesn’t because I think he gets booed anywhere he goes anyway, even in England.’
When is England vs Ireland and how to watch’
Republic of Ireland vs England kicks off at 5pm on Saturday 7 September.
ITV and ITV X will have live coverage of the Nations League match.
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