Being of Irish heritage but residing in England defines a distinct group, to which I’m proud to belong. Despite being born and bred in England, my Irish lineage is integral to who I am.
I would often reflect on the diaspora, and my kin, the Kilbanes, as I donned the green jersey ahead of an international event. Despite my upbringing in Preston, I had a deep-rooted sense of patriotism that I struggle to put into words.
Hence, a team-mate’s mother questioning my Irishness in the players’ lounge at Lansdowne post-game was like a dagger to my heart.
Kevin Kilbane’s insightful point that Ireland is in dire need of midfielders, and his critique of missing grit is unarguable. Heimir Hallgrímsson’s anticipations of Ireland causing an upset against England at Aviva ignites hope.
Despite their foreign birthplace, Rice and Grealish likely believe they’ll be able to handle any backlash when they turn up in Dublin. After a hiatus of 34 years, England finally returns to Lansdowne Road for a competitive match against Ireland.
“Am I not Irish because I wasn’t born here?”, I pondered. I was taken aback, surely my performance was evidence enough of my Irishness.
Ironically enough, if my family had never migrated from Mayo, I might never have gotten the opportunity to represent football at an international level, being more likely to have played Gaelic football.
Being raised in close proximity to Preston North End football club played a crucial role in shaping my career, nurturing my born talents. My ambition and upbringing filled in the gaps.
The proverbial jury of English spectators seems indifferent towards the forthcoming Nations League match, understandably still nursing the wound of the Euros defeat. The lingering regret of losing the European Championship 2021 final to Italy at Wembley and then falling to Spain in Berlin no doubt lingers.
Without any doubt, I confirm that Lee Carsley along with the current England squad is focused on the future, specifically claiming victory at the 2026 World Cup. Carsley’s decision to reinduct Jack Grealish reflects his strategy to secure England’s championship.
Carsley, having hands-on experience with the talent in his last three under-21 squads, is well aware they could bolster the main team. This inspired the promotion of Rico Lewis, Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes, and Noni Madueke. His faith in the potential yet untapped by the England squad resonates with my own beliefs.
It’s undeniable that the footballing landscapes of England and Ireland have a vast difference between them, and it will be on display when they face each other this Saturday evening in Dublin. The Football Association of Ireland heavily recruits from England, both in terms of administration and players. Nonetheless, the advancements in youth development established by Carsley and others in every English city and community might be an insurmountable hurdle for the Irish.
The Irish football administrators must continue to scout for emerging talent within the English system, despite the issues entrenched in their own. There is a concerning trend of Irish football lacking midfielders – be they from the academies of the League of Ireland or schoolboy clubs.
It’s worthwhile to note that England isn’t entirely free of criticism in this area. In the recent Euros, Declan Rice experienced challenges in seizing possession from his defenders and initiating attacks. His plays were chiefly lateral. A parallel scenario can be seen in Josh Cullen’s performance for the Irish team.
With Cullen sidelined due to an injury, the Irish team, albeit blessed with proficient goalkeepers, Premier League defenders, and a handful of effective strikers, face difficulties in preparing for the 2026 World Cup or the 2028 Euros at home, considering the absence of a capable number six. Consequently, Carsley has enlisted Gomes.
The holding midfielder, or the number six, is the modern-day playmaker. Examples can be seen in how Toni Kroos orchestrated the German squad, or how Rodri commands the midfield for both Manchester City and Spain.
Despite the changes in football since “my day”, Roy Keane was a player who held a unique position for Ireland two decades back – a player whose level of talent is seen once in a hundred years, indifferent of nationality.
In the past, Ireland could count on players like Matt Holland, a steady passer who always moved the ball forward able to score from afar, just like his goal against Cameroon. Other such assets included Mark Kinsella, Carsley, Graham Kavanagh, and Rory Delap. Rory Delap – a versatile player capable of working at fullback, or across the midfield – and whose son Liam will soon represent England, deserved more than his 11 caps for Ireland. Currently, there seems to be no direct replacement for Delap. Jason Knight is showing glimpses of a versatile international footballer, filling various roles, just like Delap.
While Ireland lives in such hopes, England is poised to write a new chapter after facing the disappointment of consecutive losses in the Euros finals.
“Diarmaid Ferriter highlights the Irish as Britain’s most ancient and solitary ethnic group. The realms of football, as unrivalled as they may be, will tend to blur as the violent clash of tackles commences at 5pm.
It is required, from the get-go.
The displays of Ireland, subsequent to the compelling game led by Séamus Coleman against France in March 2023, have been devoid of a crucial element.
Tenacity.
Absent of tenacity, no Irish team has ever achieved anything notable. This core was notably absent last year, particularly in the home game against Greece.
It needs to be unearthed again ahead of two packed games this Saturday and Tuesday, when Greece trails England into the Aviva Stadium.
Heimir Hallgrímsson, he probably meant that Ireland requires a couple of “ruthless” members in their team when he remarked the current team members are too nice despite their professionalism.
Had Roy been the captain and such a blatant comment been made, it would have been hazardous. Furthermore, there wouldn’t have been any necessity for such a comment about Ireland’s past players. They must be fuming in response.”