Declan Rice celebrated quietly after scoring the opening goal for England in their Nations League clash against Ireland in Dublin.
Rice came close to heading in a loose ball inside the area in the 11th minute, with Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher having virtually no chance of stopping it.
But instead of celebrating the first goal of the game, Rice threw his hands up and refused to celebrate.
The reason the Arsenal superstar decided not to seize the moment was because he had previously represented Ireland on three occasions before switching his international allegiance to England.
Rice played in three friendlies under then Ireland manager Martin O’Neill but soon turned down all call-ups from August 2018 onwards.
Rice scored the opening goal from near the penalty spot, smashing it into the top corner.
However, the midfielder chose not to celebrate his goal and raised his hands in an apologetic manner.
Irish fans have been vocal about their frustration at Rice’s defection to England.
He eventually pledged his future to England in February 2019 and has gone on to feature in two European Championship finals and one World Cup for the Three Lions.
Rice’s defection evidently left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Irish supporters.
Almost every touch of the midfielder has been loudly booed by home fans, with some even bringing flags with Rice’s face alongside a picture of a snake.
Rice is not the only player in the England squad who previously represented Ireland and then switched international allegiance.
Jack Grealish played for Ireland’s under-17, under-18 and under-21 teams, but turned down call-ups to the senior squad under O’Neill.
The Manchester City striker confirmed he would play for England in September 2015, but had to wait until September 2020 to make his debut.
In a cruel twist of fate for the Irish, it was Grealish who added England’s second goal.
However, he did not hesitate to celebrate as he sent a Rice pass into the left corner of the net in front of the visiting fans.
Grealish was on hand to score England’s second goal when he pounced on Rice’s pass.
Despite having represented Ireland at youth level, Grealish happily celebrated his goal.
The Manchester City star scored on his return to the England squad after missing Euro 2024
Grealish leapt and punched his fist in the air in his first appearance for England since being controversially dropped from former Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.
The two players are not alone when it comes to Ireland links either, with England caretaker manager Lee Carsley having represented Ireland at international level during his playing days.
Carlsey played 40 times for Ireland, including an appearance at the 2002 World Cup in a group stage win over Saudi Arabia.
