Jack Grealish says there’s “no bad blood whatsoever” after scoring for England in the 2-0 win over Republic of Ireland in the Nations League.
The 28-year-old previously played for Ireland at Under-17, Under-18 and Under-21 level before switching allegiance to represent England.
Inevitably, Grealish was on the scoresheet as England coasted to victory over Ireland in Lee Carsley’s first game in charge – the Manchester City star started in a central number 10 role after being cut from the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 squad over the summer.
Grealish’s goal followed a superb opener from Declan Rice, who also played for Ireland in three international friendlies before opting to play for England, and the former Aston Villa captain spoke after the game about the reception the pair received – each were passionately booed every time they touched the ball in Dublin.
“It was what me and Declan expected,” Grealish told ITV. “We have nothing bad to say, we both enjoyed our time [playing for Ireland] – I certainly did and I have a lot of Irish in my family, so there’s no bad blood whatsoever from my side.
On his recall to England’s side, he continued: “I need to start playing regularly, scoring goals, and that’s what I did today. I’m still not 100% fit but I’m getting there so from a personal point of view I’m happy.
“Going to the fans at the end and hearing them sing my name, listen there’s no better feeling than playing for England, everyone will say the same thing, especially in games like this when you know the whole nation is going to be watching.
“Over the summer, it was one of the worst summers of my life because you can’t not see everything that is happening in front of you. It was difficult but it’s given me something to bounce back.”
Rice added that England had enjoyed their camp under Carsley, who helped the Under-21 Three Lions win the European Championship in 2023.
“It has been really refreshing this week – Lee has been amazing to work with, his meetings have been top and training has been really good,” the Arsenal midfielder said.
“It’s been a fresh start, a change and to win for him today and for ourselves to get off to a winning start was the main thing.”
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