Jack Grealish makes very different choice to Declan Rice after scoring against Ireland
Jack Grealish and Declan Rice were always likely to take some flack from Republic of Ireland fans after switching their international allegiance to England - and both scored in Saturday's match in Dublin
Declan Rice and Jack Grealish were on the scoresheet for England against the Republic of Ireland - and the latter celebrated wildly after being relentlessly booed by home fans.
The duo had no doubt expected some abuse after choosing to switch their international allegiance to England after representing the Republic of Ireland at youth level.
And as it turned out, both of the evening's pantomime villains scored to nudge England into a 2-0 lead - and while Rice was subdued in his celebrations, Grealish decided to let rip.
The Manchester City winger didn't think twice and punched the air in delight after doubling England's lead with a crisp, low drive into the bottom corner of Caoimhin Kelleher's goal in the 26th minute.
And while the home fans responded to Grealish's antics with even louder jeers, his celebrations were lapped up by the travelling England fans, who revelled in their team's early two-goal haul.
Grealish decided to represent England in 2016, shortly after Rice switched his allegiance after winning three senior caps for the Republic of Ireland.
England interim head coach Lee Carsley insisted before the match that he had no qualms about selecting either of them amid the expected hostility from home fans.
When the question was put to him, Carsley said: “No, not all. We spoke – not only (to) Jack and Declan, to the whole squad – we spoke about the atmosphere we expect it to be.
“Exciting, passionate, loud, but it’ll be no different to what the players are used to in Premier League games or high level games. I think they’ll be ready for whatever comes out.”
Republic of Ireland forward Callum Robinson, who played with Grealish during his time at Aston Villa, predicted that abuse from fans wouldn't bother him. He said: “I think he’ll be getting ready for a bit of abuse but that’s part of it, it’s part of the game. 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.”
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
