Rice and Grealish pleased with Irish return

Written by:

Charlie Bennett

England goalscorers Declan Rice and Jack Grealish reflected on a good evening’s work in Dublin, as the Three Lions picked up a 2-0 victory over Republic of Ireland.The midfield pair scored a goal apiece in the first half to ensure a winning start to the new UEFA Nations League campaign for interim head coach Lee Carsley.

And Rice left the Aviva Stadium a happy man, as England take the three points home ahead of their next game with Finland at Wembley on Tuesday evening.

“It was really good, a goal and a win,” said the Arsenal man.

“We are in the league below where we want to be, and to score alongside Jack was a really nice feeling.

“For Lee to come in, his first game, it has been really refreshing this week. He has been amazing to work with, his meetings have been top and I have really enjoyed it, so have all the lads.

“It has been a fresh start, a chance and to win today and get off to a good start was the main thing for us."

Both Rice and Grealish had previously represented Ireland in their careers, before switching to England and the home crowd ensured there was a frosty reception for the duo.

But Grealish says it wasn’t anything they didn’t foresee in the approach to the game, with both players grateful of their experiences in the Ireland ranks as youngsters.

“It was what me and Dec expected. I said before the game, I think it is different,” said Grealish.

“Me and Dec have nothing bad to say, we both enjoyed our time with Ireland. I certainly did, and I have a lot of Irish in my family, so there is no bad blood from my side.”

The game saw Grealish back on England duty after missing the summer trip to Germany for UEFA EURO 2024.

And the Manchester City man was happy to get on the scoresheet on his return to international football.

“I need to start playing regularly and scoring goals, that is what I did today,” he admitted. “I still don’t feel 100 per cent fit but I am getting there. From a personal point of view, I am happy.

“It meant everything, just going to the fans at the end and hearing them cheer my name and stuff.

“Listen, there is no better feeling than playing for England, especially in games like this, when the whole nation is watching.

“I have said it before in another interview, the summer was one of the worst of my life because you can’t not see what is happening in front of you. It was difficult but it has given me more resolve to bounce back.”

The squad will now return to England as they switch focus to the game with Finland at Wembley Stadium. Tickets for this game are still available to purchase, so find out more here.