Declan Rice struck the top corner in stunning fashion to give England an early lead against the Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Nations League.
The Arsenal midfielder sparked wild celebrations from the travelling fans behind the goal but chose not to take part.
As boos rained down from the other three sides of Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, Rice gestured with his hands lowered in apology.
There are surely few thrills greater than scoring for your country against a neighbouring nation, so what was happening?
Why didn’t Declan Rice celebrate against Ireland?
If Rice’s non-celebration reminds you of a player scoring against his former team at club level, well… that’s because that’s essentially what happened.
DECLAN RICE GIVES ENGLAND THE LEAD!
He chooses not to celebrate in front of Irish fans ?? pic.twitter.com/hLHVrqJZIG
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) September 7, 2024
Saturday’s match was Rice’s 59th appearance for England, but his 62nd full international cap.
At the age of 19, Rice played for the Republic of Ireland in three international friendlies between March and June 2018.
Born in London, Rice was eligible to play for Ireland through his grandparents and also represented the nation at every age group level from under-16 to under-21 before playing for the senior side.
However, the fact he only played in friendlies meant Rice was free to switch allegiances and he did so in 2019, making his debut in a European Championship qualifier against Czechia in March of that year.
Did Jack Grealish celebrate against Ireland?
The other Irish hot potato during the game was Manchester City attacking midfielder Jack Grealish. While never an international like Rice, Grealish played for Ireland’s U17s and U21s before joining England at the latter age group.
Grealish made it 2-0 at the Aviva Stadium, courtesy of a pass from Rice, which was pretty much inevitable. Making his return to international duty after being left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad, the 28-year-old ran towards the England fans and celebrated enthusiastically.
NOW IT’S GREALISH’S TURN!!
What a team goal for England as another former Irish player scores in Dublin ??? pic.twitter.com/lELDso4kzY
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) September 7, 2024
Lee Carsley was in charge of his first game as England caretaker manager, also highlighting dual nationality.
Carsley, like Grealish, born in Birmingham, has played 40 times for the Republic of Ireland. Like Southgate before him, he was coach of the England Under-21 team.
Ahead of Saturday’s game, Carsley had said he would not sing the national anthem God Save The King before the match, which caused controversy in some quarters of the English press, although his stance appeared to have received widespread support at kick-off.
