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Rice and Grealish's Strong Ties to Ireland |
England's Declan Rice and Jack Grealish overcame a hostile reception in Dublin to score both goals in England's 2-0 Nations League victory over the Republic of Ireland on Saturday. Despite the jeers, both players maintained their respect for the Irish team they once represented at youth level.
Rice and Grealish's Strong Ties to Ireland
Declan Rice, who previously played for Ireland at youth level and made three senior appearances for the country, faced boos from sections of the Irish crowd with every touch. However, Rice responded on the field, scoring England’s opener but opting not to celebrate. His decision was driven by a deep respect for his Irish roots.
"My nan and granddad on my dad's side of the family are all Irish, and they've passed away. I didn't want to disrespect their memory by celebrating," Rice told Sky Sports.
Rice reflected on his time playing for Ireland, stating, "I had such an amazing time playing for Ireland at the under-19 and under-21 levels. They were great memories, and I have nothing bad to say."
Similarly, Jack Grealish, who scored the second goal for England, also once represented Ireland at youth level. The hostile atmosphere in Dublin didn't come as a surprise.
"It was what Declan and I expected," Grealish told ITV. "We have nothing but respect for Ireland and enjoyed our time playing for them. I have a lot of Irish family, so there’s no bad blood whatsoever from my side."
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| "Jack Grealish and Declan Rice Experience an Unforgettable Day in Ireland" |
Grealish's Comeback After Euro 2024 Snub
Having been left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad, Grealish made the most of his recall under interim manager Lee Carsley.
"The summer was one of the worst of my life, watching Euro 2024 unfold from the sidelines. It was difficult, but it gave me the resolve to bounce back," Grealish said. "It meant everything, hearing the fans cheer my name after the game."
Lee Carsley's Return to Dublin
Interim manager Lee Carsley, himself a former Ireland international, had his own humorous moment during the match. While walking down the tunnel, Carsley instinctively turned towards the home dugout, a reflection of his time playing for Ireland.
"As you know, I spent a lot of time on the bench, so I know exactly where that is," Carsley said jokingly to RTE.
Conclusion: A Night of Respect and Redemption
Despite the tension, both Rice and Grealish handled the situation with respect, showcasing their professionalism while leading England to a solid win. Their performances were a reminder of their talent, as both players continue to rise in the international arena.