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Fans of the Republic of Ireland sent a very loud message to England stars Declan Rice and Jack Grealish during their UEFA Nations League meeting on September 7. The Three Lions prevailed by a 2-0 scoreline in what was Lee Carsley's first game in charge of the senior national team.
England have begun a new national team cycle after finishing second behind Spain in Euro 2024, following the resignation of manager Gareth Southgate. Former U-21s manager Carsley took interim charge of the side, but he didn't make many changes to the starting XI in Dublin.
Carsley named Jack Grealish in the starting XI for the game after the Manchester City man had been dropped from the squad for the Euros. Arsenal star Declan Rice was also named in the XI, starting as the midfield anchor.
The Irish fans showed their displeasure at both Grealish and Rice from the start of the game by revealing a banner with a message aimed at them. The banner had a picture of both players and snakes, referring to the Premier League stars as snakes.
"The snakes are back".
The players were referred to as snakes because of their ties to the Irish national team and how they cut those ties. Arsenal star Declan Rice was eligible for the Republic of Ireland through his paternal grandparents and represented the country at youth level. He also made his senior international debut for the country before switching allegiance to play for England in 2019.
Jack Grealish was eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland and did so up until the U-21s before turning down multiple senior invitations. He decided to represent England in 2015, turning out for the U-21s before eventually earning his first senior cap five years later.
Declan Rice, Jack Grealish inspire England to win over Republic of Ireland
Declan Rice and Jack Grealish provided the decisive moments for England as they claimed a 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland. The Three Lions got their UEFA Nations League campaign and life under Lee Carsley off to a flying start at the Aviva Stadium.
Carsley's side needed just 11 minutes to get off the mark as Arsenal man Rice scored his fourth international goal. The 25-year-old did not celebrate his goal as a mark of respect to the country of his grandparents.
Rice turned provider just 15 minutes later as he set up the returning Grealish to double the Three Lions' advantage and effectively seal the win. They will face Finland in their second game of the international window on Tuesday (September 10) looking to build on their positive start.
