Declan Rice and Jack Grealish should not anticipate a hero’s welcome when they set foot in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Saturday, given their decision to abandon the Republic of Ireland to represent England in international football. Their perceived betrayals are still fresh; particularly in the case of Rice, who played three non-competitive matches for Ireland before pledging allegiance to England half a decade ago. His first call-up to the England team happened just a day after he was announced as Ireland’s young player of the year, which only added salt to the wound.
Mick McCarthy, a past Ireland manager, recollected Rice’s decision to switch sides as an incident that was poorly received. “His actions didn’t go down well at all,” said McCarthy, recalling Rice’s passionate display as an under-21 player for Ireland. Negative perceptions of Rice persist.
The perception Rice faces might be complex, thanks to familial ties to Cork through his paternal grandparents. Rice questioned if his past had anything to do with the critiques of his Euro 2024 performance by James McClean, a former Ireland player. “We’ve been teammates, and he can have his opinion. I’ve faced similar views from others before,” Rice shared ahead of England’s scoreless match against Slovenia. “Could there be some resentment for not playing for Ireland? Maybe, but I don’t have anything negative to say about him.”
While waking into a possible frosty reception as England commences their Nations League matches against Ireland, Rice remains focussed on the sport. The top agenda is ushering a fresh start for England following Gareth Southgate’s departure and Lee Carsley’s entry as interim head coach; Carsley also happens to be an ex-Ireland player. Despite the tension, there’s no questioning the strategic choice Rice, born in London’s Kingston-upon-Thames, to part ways with Ireland, considering his swift ascent as a key player for England.
Initially, Rice had a rocky start in his international football career, especially visible in his match against the Netherlands in 2019. However, it wasn’t long before his robust pace and uncanny ability to possess the ball resulted in his transition to Arsenal from West Ham with a staggering transfer fee of £105m in 2023. His importance in the game is unquestionable, with fifty-eight caps for England under his belt.
Rice’s limitations were exposed during England’s loss to Spain in the Euro’s final. However, it is clear that he will persist as a crucial player for Carsley’s team. His future importance became especially apparent due to the speculation about Rice potentially becoming the captain when Harry Kane leaves his post.
Substantial discussions were made concerning the England interim coach’s aim to bring more controlled performance in the squad. Still, the prevalent belief is that England will continue to benefit from the security, command, and physical prowess Rice brings to the field.
A drastic change now would be unlikely for Carsley. Especially considering the crisis it would cause if Rice, who was absent when England triumphed over Ireland with a 3-0 score at an unattended Wembley in November 2020, was replaced. Lille’s Angel Gomes, a newcomer to the squad, is the type who plays in the deep with a unique style that English football seldom produces. He proved to be an essential player for Carsley when part of the under-21 team.
The vital question from Southgate before the Euros – who would be Rice’s partner? – remains valid. Though Kobbie Mainoo has a compelling argument with a notable performance in Germany, the chances of anyone outdoing Rice are slim. At the age of 25, he aims to quash criticisms about his inability to control games against top-class teams and his dismissal during Arsenal’s 1-1 standoff against Brighton; yet, it’s almost impossible to imagine England’s creative players without his support.
Grealish’s inclusion in the field is more concerning. Given his decision to reject Ireland after representing them at the youth level, a hostile reception from the spectators is a certainty. However, being the performer he is, Grealish is expected to thrive off the disapproval. At 28 years old, his primary motivation will be to demonstrate that Southgate made a mistake by not selecting him for the Euros.
Grealish’s demotion had been a harsh decision that left many startled in the locker room, although it couldn’t be said to be totally unjustified. Quite bluntly, Grealish’s performance quality had slipped following City’s triumphant three victories in 2023. His effectiveness during the last season wasn’t quite up to mark, he had problems staying in good health, and had also fallen out of Pep Guardiola’s preferred starting eleven. It was within Southgate’s rights to conclude that others were more deserving.
However, Grealish was swiftly reinstated by Carsley and his strong showing in City’s victory over West Ham would have buoyed the latter. Grealish will be given a shot at demonstrating his skills for England, considering the absence of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer due to injuries.
The booing from the crowd should only be a minor annoyance. There will be a fiery determination for retribution from Ireland. Grealish and Rice will be resolute in their vow to ignore the din. – Guardian