Declan Rice Scores, Assists as England Lead Ireland 2-0 in Nations League

Sep 7, 2024, 04:32 PM

In a Nations League match held in Dublin, England took a 2-0 lead against the Republic of Ireland by halftime. Declan Rice, who previously represented Ireland at the youth level, scored the opening goal for England but chose not to celebrate out of respect for his former team. Despite his subdued reaction, Irish fans booed him. Jack Grealish, another former Ireland youth player, doubled England's lead and celebrated his goal. Rice provided the assist for Grealish's goal. The match highlighted the sensitive issue of players switching national allegiances, with both Rice and Grealish having previously played for Ireland before opting to represent England. England's coach, Lee Carsley, saw his team score twice within the first 26 minutes.