Declan Rice had a muted celebration after scoring the opener for England in their Nations League clash against Ireland in Dublin.
Rice was on hand to smash home a loose ball inside the box in the 11th minute, with Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher standing next to no chance of stopping it.
But rather than celebrate the first goal of the game, Rice held his hands aloft and refused to celebrate.
The reason why the Arsenal superstar opted not to soak in the moment was because he had previously represented Ireland on three occasions before switching international allegiances to England.
Rice played in three friendlies under then-Ireland boss Martin O’Neill but soon turned down all call-ups from August 2018 onwards.
Rice scored the opener from next to the penalty spot as he smashed it into the top corner
However, the midfielder opted not to celebrate his goal and held his hands up as if to say sorry
Ireland fans have been vocal about their frustrations surround Rice’s defection to England
He eventually pledged his future to England in February 2019 and has gone on to feature in two European Championship finals and a World Cup for the Three Lions.
Rice’s defection evidently left a sour taste in the mouths of many Irish supporters.
Just about every one of the midfielder’s touches have been loudly booed by the home fans, with some even bringing flags depicting Rice’s face next to a picture of a snake.
Rice is not the only player in England’s team to have previously represented Ireland, only to change their international allegiance.
Jack Grealish featured for Ireland’s under-17, under-18 and under-21 teams but turned down call-ups for the senior team from O’Neill.
The Manchester City forward confirmed he would play for England in September 2015 but had to wait until September 2020 to make his debut.
In a cruel twist of fate for the Irish, it was Grealish who added England’s second.
However, he did not hesitate before celebrating as he steered home Rice’s cutback 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 slotted home Rice’s cutback
Despite having represented Ireland at youth level, Grealish happily celebrated his goal
The Manchester City star scored on his return to the England side after his Euro 2024 axing
Grealish leapt up and fist-pumped the air in his first England appearance since he was controversially axed from ex-Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.
The two players are also not alone when it comes to Irish ties, with interim England boss Lee Carsley representing Ireland internationally during his playing days.
Carlsey featured 40 times for Ireland, including an appearance at the 2002 World Cup in a group stage win over Saudi Arabia.
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