FAST DOWNLOAD
England and Manchester City star Jack Grealish is heading back to Ireland during the international break but this time he will be representing the Three Lions. The 28-year-old featured against the Republic of Ireland in 2020 but is now set to return to Dublin for the first time since changing allegiance in 2015. Callum Robinson – who plays as a striker for the Boys in Green – is good friends with the former Aston Villa man but says he would be surprised if Grealish is not met with loud boos on Saturday.
WHAT ROBINSON SAID
Robinson said: “I’d be surprised if he doesn’t because I think he gets booed anywhere he goes anyway – even in England. I think he’ll be getting ready for a bit of abuse but that’s part of it, it’s part of the game. He’s old enough and with being a senior player now, that stuff’s going to come. As I said, he gets it in English games [in the Premier League], I don’t think there will be any change on Saturday, I think he will be getting it.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Grealish is not the only man to have switched sides during his career. Declan Rice represented Ireland three times before joining up with England and the Arsenal midfielder will also be anticipating a frosty reception.
WHAT NEXT FOR GREALISH AND ENGLAND?
Interim boss Lee Carsley was a frontrunner for the Ireland job before taking the step up for the Three Lions. He will want to get off to a winning start and will be relying on Grealish’s experience to help him through what will be a tricky match in the Nations League.
