England take on Andorra in a World Cup qualifier this evening, with Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford making his debut for the Three Lions – officially snubbing Ireland.
Bamford finally has his reward after 17 Premier League goals last season, really announcing himself as a top striker.
The 27-year-old was tipped for stardom at a young age, but had a real battle to reach this point – and will now hope to open his England account against Andorra.
In fact, back in Bamford’s youth, he wasn’t even turning out for England.
Bamford’s Ireland history
Instead, Ireland was Bamford’s national team, as he played once for their Under-18’s way back in 2010.
Bamford qualifies for Ireland through the grandparent rule, but quickly changed his allegiance to England.
Ireland have been hoping to get Bamford back with them for years now, especially when he was in the Championship.
Bamford looked attainable for Ireland with England hopes looking slim, but he has roared back and now starts against Andorra tonight; quite the rise.
Copying Rice and Grealish
This is becoming a common theme for Ireland, and having Bamford officially out of reach as he prepares to play a competitive game will just remind fans of Declan Rice and Jack Grealish.
Rice is the most frustrating case as he made three senior caps for Ireland in 2018 before switching to England.
An Ireland regular from Under-16 level all the way up to the seniors, Rice’s snub hurt more than Grealish and Bamford.
Grealish was with Ireland at Under-17, 18 and 21 levels before choosing England as his senior side, becoming a star along the way.
With Bamford, Rice and Grealish all now in the England setup, Ireland fans have more than enough reason to feel a little robbed.
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