Declan Rice REFUSES to celebrate scoring England’s opener in Dublin after former Republic of Ireland midfielder smashes home from close range
Declan Rice celebrated subduedly after scoring England’s opening goal in their Nations League clash against Ireland in Dublin.
Rice fired home a loose ball in the penalty area in the 11th minute, but Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher had little chance to stop the ball.
But instead of celebrating the first goal of the game, Rice held his hands up and refused to celebrate.
The reason why the Arsenal superstar chose not to enjoy the moment was because he had previously played three times for Ireland before switching his international allegiance to England.
Rice played in three friendlies under then Ireland manager Martin O’Neill, but quickly rejected all call-ups from August 2018 onwards.
Rice scored the opening goal from the penalty spot, firing the ball into the top corner
However, the midfielder chose not to celebrate his goal and held his hands up as if to say sorry.
Irish fans have expressed their frustrations over Rice’s move to England
In February 2019, he committed his future to England and played for the Three Lions in two European Championship finals and one World Cup.
Rice’s move apparently left a sour taste in the mouths of many Irish supporters.
Almost every touch by the midfielder was loudly booed by the home fans, some even carrying flags with Rice’s face next to a picture of a snake.
Rice is not the only player in the England squad who has played for Ireland in the past but has now switched international allegiances.
Jack Grealish played for the Irish under-17, under-18 and under-21 teams but turned down call-ups to O’Neill’s first team.
The Manchester City striker confirmed in September 2015 that he would play for England, but had to wait until September 2020 to make his debut.
In a cruel twist of fate for the Irish, it was Grealish who scored England’s second goal.
However, he did not hesitate and celebrated his joy when he fired Rice’s ball into the left corner of the net in front of the travelling supporters.
Grealish was on hand to score England’s second goal when he fired home Rice’s back pass
Despite representing Ireland at youth level, Grealish celebrated his goal with gusto
The Manchester City star scored on his return to the England squad after opting out of the 2024 European Championship
Grealish jumped to his feet and raised his fist in the air during his first appearance for England since being controversially dropped from former Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024.
The two players are not the only ones with ties to Ireland. England’s interim manager Lee Carsley represented Ireland internationally when he was still playing.
Carlsey played 40 times for Ireland and made his appearance at the 2002 World Cup, where he beat Saudi Arabia in the group stage.