“They chose who to represent” – Ireland captain deflects controversy over Arsenal and Man City stars ahead of England clash

Everton captain Seamus Coleman has downplayed the possibility of a hostile reception for England’s Declan Rice and Jack Grealish when the Republic of Ireland face England in Dublin on Saturday in their UEFA Nations League showdown, Soccernet.ng reports.

Rice and Grealish, both eligible to represent Ireland through family ties, ultimately chose to play for England after early stints with the Irish youth teams.

Rice’s switch is particularly controversial, having represented the Republic of Ireland at senior level before changing his allegiance in 2019.

Since then, the Arsenal midfielder has become a key figure for England, playing in major tournaments like Euro 2020, the 2022 World Cup, and Euro 2024.

It was a similar path to that which Grealish took, as the Manchester City stars played for Ireland up to under-21 level before choosing England in 2016. He has since been a pivotal player for England, contributing in major competitions like Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.

When asked if Rice and Grealish “deserve” a hostile reception from the Aviva Stadium crowd, Coleman brushed off the question.

“Do they deserve it? I think that’s a leading question for me to give you a headline,” Coleman said, as per IrishExaminer.

“Listen, they chose who they wanted to represent. I’ve said it for long enough, whatever they feel they are, that’s what they chose to be. Declan came and played three games.”

Coleman added that Rice is a “good guy” and a “top player,” but emphasised his focus on players committed to Ireland.

“I just want lads who want to represent Ireland, and we’ve got that,” he said. “What reception they get, I don’t know, but it has been a few years now, so it’s not something of concern to me.”

As anticipation builds for the clash, England arrive with a strong squad, despite missing key players like Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden. However, with a robust attack, England could prove too much for an Ireland side that has struggled offensively in recent games.