Declan Rice sends message to Jack Grealish after he scores for England against Ireland

Follow us on Google Discover

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice scored upon his return to the Republic of Ireland on Saturday in a hostile atmosphere in Dublin.

But Arsenal‘s club-record transfer wasn’t the only one in the firing line because Manchester City’s Jack Grealish was also feeling the wrath of the home fans.

Rice played three senior games for the Republic of Ireland and Grealish repped the nation at the younger age groups, before they switched over to England.

So, it was fitting that Rice and Grealish scored for England as they beat Ireland in their UEFA Nations League opener.

What was interesting is that Rice decided against celebrating, but Manchester City’s £100 million man didn’t hesitate against doing so in such an environment.

After the game, Grealish posted on Instagram ‘felt so good to be back playing in an England shirt’ after he was left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.

Despite playing for such a dominant Manchester City side that pipped Arsenal to the Premier League title last season, Grealish’s form was more off than on, hence his exclusion.

Nonetheless, Grealish is now back with a bang and he is hoping to become a regular feature under new England interim boss, Lee Carsley.

Grealish was lauded and applauded in the comments section of his IG post, including a three-word message from Rice.

Declan Rice and Jack Grealish star for England

Rice wrote ‘my boy, man’, whilst Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers called him a ‘playa’ and John Stones added ‘here he is’.

Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, who started at centre-back, said ‘he’s back’, as Bukayo Saka sent him fire emojis.

Manchester City and Arsenal meeting

Teammates for now, but they will be back on the enemy line in a few weeks when Arsenal make the trip to the Etihad to take on Manchester City.

Rice’s red card against Brighton means that he is suspended for Arsenal’s north London derby against Tottenham

READ MORE: Lee Carsley reacts to claim Declan Rice refused captain’s armband for England against Ireland

But he will be back and refreshed for the biggest game of Arsenal’s season against Guardiola’s all-dominant side.

Of course, Rice will start, but Grealish, who recently returned to Manchester City’s XI, will be hoping he keeps his place because there is serious competition around him.