Why I Can’t Forgive Declan Rice for Turning His Back on Ireland

It was hard enough to watch England dominate Ireland at the Aviva Stadium without the added sting of seeing Declan Rice and Jack Grealish score. What those two players did to Ireland — turning their backs on the country after wearing the green jersey — still doesn’t sit right with me.

Wearing the Ireland jersey is a privilege, and their decision to represent England after initially playing for Ireland feels like a deep lack of respect. This isn’t just about football — it’s about pride, identity, and commitment.

I know I’m in a good position to speak on this matter, as I was born in England and had the chance to represent them. But when Jack Charlton offered me the opportunity to play for Ireland, I grabbed it without hesitation. It had always been my dream to represent the country, and once you wear that green shirt and kiss the badge, there should be no turning back.

Declan Rice’s situation is particularly painful because he wore the Ireland jersey at senior level before switching to England. Once you commit to a country in senior football, changing allegiances just isn’t right. Grealish is different, as he only played at youth level for Ireland, but I still believe players shouldn’t be allowed to switch international teams once they’ve made a commitment.

Seeing both Rice and Grealish score for England reminded us of the missed opportunity. Ireland could have built a team around these two players, but instead, our new manager Heimir Hallgrimsson was given a harsh lesson in just how big a task he faces.

No doubt about it, Ireland players always give 100%, but the gap in class between the two teams was evident throughout. England were simply on a different level. In fact, their second or even third-string team would likely be too strong for us at the moment, and that’s tough to accept.

This game wasn’t the right moment to judge Hallgrimsson, as his bigger challenge lies ahead in next year’s World Cup qualifiers. He might opt to change the system, maybe go more direct than we were under Stephen Kenny, but the truth is we don’t have the attacking quality to hurt top international sides.

John Aldridge

From start to finish, the gulf in class was clear. After Rice and Grealish scored in the first half, I feared a battering. To our credit, the team had a go in the second half, and Caoimhín Kelleher was outstanding in goal. Chiedozie Ogbene also impressed with his pace and threat down the wing, but the feeling remained that England could raise their game if they needed to.

In the second half, it felt like England took their foot off the gas, knowing the match was in the bag. It’s hard to maintain intensity when you’re up against an opponent that can’t touch you, and that’s exactly what happened.

One player who stood out for England was Anthony Gordon — he was a constant threat on the break. And begrudgingly, I have to admit that Rice was exceptional in midfield, dictating play with ease. England’s quality and depth are undeniable, and with the team having reached the finals of the last two European Championships, it’s no surprise that they’re a powerhouse.

It’s also worth noting that Lee Carsley could be in line for the England managerial job, and he’d be very lucky to get it, considering the calibre of players he’d be working with.

For Ireland, the road ahead looks tough, but we’ve faced difficult times before. I just hope that players who pull on the green jersey in the future understand what it means and show the commitment that this team, and this country, deserves.