England’s Declan Rice and Jack Grealish shrugged off their hostile reception in Dublin by scoring each objectives in England’s Nations League win over Republic of Eire on Saturday and mentioned they don’t have anything however respect for the opponents they as soon as represented.
Rice performed for Eire at youth degree and made three senior appearances for the nation earlier than altering his allegiance, a call which many Irish followers nonetheless discover onerous to simply accept.
As his each contact was booed by sections of the house assist, Rice paid little consideration and gave England the lead however selected to not rejoice, and never solely due to his time taking part in for the opposition.
“My nan and granddad on my dad’s facet of the household are all Irish, they’ve handed away and should not right here anymore so I believe to have celebrated would have been disrespectful, I did not need to do this,” Rice informed Sky Sports activities.
“I had such an incredible time taking part in for Eire, within the first staff, beneath 19s, beneath 21s, they had been nice reminiscences that reside with me.
“I haven’t got a foul phrase to say and I want all of them the most effective like I do with anybody.”
Grealish, who scored England’s second purpose of the 2-0 win, additionally represented Eire at youth degree and the environment within the floor got here as no shock.
“It was what me and Declan anticipated. We’ve nothing unhealthy to say, we each loved our time [playing for Ireland],” Grealish mentioned to ITV.
“I definitely did, and I’ve numerous Irish in my household, so there isn’t any unhealthy blood in any way from my facet.”
Grealish was omitted of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad, however made essentially the most of his recall by interim supervisor Lee Carsley.
“The summer season was one of many worst of my life as a result of you may’t not see what is occurring in entrance of you,” Grealish mentioned.
“It was troublesome but it surely has given me extra resolve to bounce again.
“It meant all the pieces, simply going to the followers on the finish and listening to them cheer my title.”
Carsley, himself a former Eire worldwide, proved that outdated habits die onerous when he went to take a seat within the house dugout earlier than realising his mistake.
“I did go down the tunnel and switch proper,” Carsley mentioned with a smile to RTE.
“As you realize, I spent numerous time on the bench so I do know precisely the place that’s.”