“I hate it” - Gary Breen hits out at Arsenal star Declan Rice over international decision 

Pundit Gary Breen has criticized Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice for switching his international allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to the England national team.

The Three Lions are set to face the Boys in Green in their preliminary fixture of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League campaign later today (Saturday, 7 September).

The international stage has seen multiple players change national allegiances over the years, including Jack Grealish and Declan Rice, who used to represent the Irish during the early parts of their careers.

Now, the Manchester City and Arsenal stars don an England shirt and will travel to Dublin for the first time since the switch. Former Ireland star Gary Breen foresees a hostile reception from the crowd for the duo and has called out Rice for using the Irish national team as a stepping stone.

He said (via TBR Football):

“I’m not sure how it will be perceived. I think the focus of our players has to be disciplined, but for the supporters, give them some stick, yeah. I look at the scenario with Grealish and I feel like that decision was made early and he had more of an Irish connection as a kid."

Breen added:

“For Declan Rice, no, I never felt he was Irish, we were hoodwinked there, and I absolutely hate the fact he used the green jersey as an audition for international football, I hate it.”

Arsenal will face Tottenham Hotspur next in the Premier League on 15 September after the international break.

"It will be a hostile atmosphere" - Harry Kane sends warning to Arsenal star Declan Rice ahead of Ireland clash

England Harry Kane has sent a warning to Declan Rice and Jack Grealish ahead of their clash against the Republic of Ireland. He has predicted a hostile atmosphere for the Arsenal and Manchester City stars.

While admitting Rice and Grealish may get some 'stick', Kane defended the two players, insisting that they made what they felt was the best decision for their careers.

Speaking to the media to the media ahead of the fixture, he said (via Caught Offside):

“It’ll be a hostile atmosphere. Everyone has different career paths, everyone has decisions to make on their journey to be the best they can be and that’s what Declan and Jack have done."

The Bayern Munich striker added:

“There might be some stick but that’s part and parcel of football, club and international level. Ultimately, they made decisions they thought was best for their careers. You can’t say a bad word to them for doing that.”

Declan Rice has registered 54 appearances for Arsenal since his arrival at the Emirates last summer, scoring seven goals and providing ten assists.