DECLAN RICE SHOWS TRUE COLOURS AFTER SCORING FOR ENGLAND AGAINST REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

Declan Rice refused to celebrate after scoring for England in their Nations League clash against the Republic of Ireland.

Rice gave England the lead after just 11 minutes when Anthony Gordon forced a good save from Caoimhin Kelleher, having latched on to a pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold. Harry Kane's follow-up effort was then blocked, with Rice ultimately scoring the goal.

And the Arsenal midfielder made a point of not celebrating the goal, having previously earned three caps for Ireland. Rice played in three friendlies for Ireland in 2018, having been eligible to represent them through his grandparents.

However, he made the switch to England in 2019 and was able to change his allegiance due to the fact he had not played a competitive match for Ireland. "Of all people inside the Aviva Stadium today to go and put England 1-0 up of course it is that man Declan Rice," former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson said while commentating for BBC Radio 5 Live.

"It should have been Anthony Gordon, Kelleher made a good save. The ball then came out to Harry Kane and he fluffed his lines. Declan Rice didn't though, it was a fantastic finish, opened his foot up and plants the ball into the top corner."

Jack Grealish also represented Ireland at age group level and had no such reservations when he scored, celebrating wildly after slotting the ball past Kelleher. "Great interchange on the edge of the box, one and two touch on the right hand side and the ball comes across to Jack Grealish and he is the calmest man in the stadium," Robinson said.

"Back in the squad, back in the starting XI and he has his goal! And he is certainly celebrating with those England fans behind the goal."

Both Rice and Grealish were booed by the home fans, but the pair were well aware that they would receive a "volatile" reception in Dublin. "Rice and Grealish are two brilliant players who were both wearing the green of Ireland at one point," former Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given told the Sun ahead of the match.

"I'm sure they'll be in for a bit of a reception as well. Jack's back in the squad. I texted him jokingly the other day that I hope he’s ready for a nice reception when he gets back to Dublin and I got a few laughing faces back."

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2024-09-07T16:59:13Z dg43tfdfdgfd