Liverpool legend slams England duo Jack Grealish and Declan Rice as he says ‘what they did to Ireland was not right on so many levels

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has criticised Jack Grealish and Declan Rice for switching their international allegiances.

The two England stars were met with a hostile reception from Irish fans during Saturday’s Nations League clash. 

It didn’t faze them, however, as both netted in an impressive 2-0 victory fro the Three Lions.

The pair were booed because both played for Ireland in their younger years before deciding to choose England.

Rice represented Ireland at U17, U19 and U21 level while playing at West Ham, and even made three appearances in friendly fixtures under Martin O’Neill. 

Grealish never made an appearance for the senior team but he did play for the U17s, U18s and U21s. 

And Aldridge, who featured 69 times for Ireland, fully understands why Irish supporters remain unhappy about the situation.

‘It was bad enough watching England toy with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium without seeing Declan Rice and Jack Grealish get their two goals,’ Aldridge wrote in his Sunday World column.

John Aldridge says that what Grealish and Rice did to Ireland was not right on many levels 

Rice represented Ireland at U17, U19 and U21 and made three appearances in friendly fixtures 

‘I know it’s old news now, but what those two lads did to Ireland was not right on so many levels, as pulling on a green jersey is a privilege and they showed us all a massive lack of respect. 

‘I’m in the perfect position to talk about this as I was born in England and could have tried to get into their squad when I was on my way up the football ladder.

‘Yet when Jack Charlton offered me a chance to play for Ireland, I jumped at the chance as it was always my dream to pull on the green shirt. Once you get that first Ireland cap and kiss that badge, as Rice did, you can’t turn around and play for England a few months later.

‘Grealish is a little different as he only played at underage level for Ireland, but I still feel you should not be allowed to switch international teams. Seeing those two score for England reminded us of what might have been as Ireland could have built their team around them for the last few years.’