'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Jack Grealish sent out a response to Ireland fans after they displayed a banner aimed at him and Declan Rice during their UEFA Nations League opener today. The banner read "The snakes are back," referring to Grealish and Rise's switch from representing the Republic of Ireland at youth level to playing for England.
Grealish represented The Boys in Green at Under 17, 18, 19, and 21 levels, playing 19 games and scoring six goals. Rice represented the Irish youth teams on 20 occasions, starting from under-16s, scoring twice and even featuring in three senior friendlies before switching his allegiance.
Speaking to the press after the game, the midfielder shared that he expected nothing less from the Irish fans, saying:
“The reaction is what we expected. We both enjoyed our time playing here. I certainly did.”
Jack Grealish and Declan Rice are two of the most expensive players in British football history, costing Manchester City and Arsenal €117.5 million and €116.6 million respectively from Aston Villa and West Ham United. Their presence in the Irish team could have begun a revival for the squad. Instead, the Irish fans will have to make do with seeing them represent the Three Lions.
Jack Grealish and Declan Rice return to haunt Ireland
In their UEFA Nations League match, Grealish and Rice delivered a dominant performance against the Republic of Ireland. Both players initially began their international careers with Ireland but later switched allegiances to the Three Lions.
Declan Rice opened the scoring in the 11th minute after the ball fell to him in the Irish box. The Arsenal man then turned from scorer to provider in the 26th minute, assisting Jack Grealish for the second goal, further disappointing the Irish fans.
With no additional goals,the game ended 2-0, marking a successful star for England under new manager Lee Carsley. England will next face Finland at Wembley September 10, while Ireland will play Greece.
