Wayne Rooney insists he never considered playing for the Republic of Ireland and he does not think Jack Grealish should do so either.
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On the eve of England’s friendly in Dublin, Rooney was at pains to emphasise there will be no divided loyalties when he leads the Three Lions out at the Aviva Stadium.
Rooney’s paternal grandparents are Irish and his wife Coleen, whose maiden name was McLoughlin, is also of Irish descent. The couple’s first son Kai embraced his Irish roots by donning a full Republic of Ireland kit on St Patrick’s Day three years ago, but there is no mistaking where his father’s loyalties lie.
Roy Hodgson said today Jack Grealish had initiated contact with the FA in the last month. Also described Grealish’s Irish link as ‘tenuous’
— Neil O’Riordan (@noriordan) June 6, 2015
For that reason, the England captain will have no problem putting Martin O’Neill’s team to the sword today.
“I am English through and through and I have no issue with trying to beat Ireland,” the England striker said. “I am playing for England and I want to help England win.”
Rooney had the option to play for the Republic through his grandparents, but he insists the possibility never crossed his mind – not even when the Football Association of Ireland made a beeline for him when he was a 16-year-old.
And Rooney thinks Grealish, who qualifies for the Republic through a grandfather who hails from County Dublin, should follow suit.
The Aston Villa midfielder has played for the Republic at Under-17, Under-18 and Under-21 level, but turned out for England before that, according to Roy Hodgson.
The fact that the 19-year-old was born in Solihull in the West Midlands means he should play for England in Rooney’s mind.
He said: “It’s down to him. I’m a firm believer that the country you are born in is who you should play for, but the rules are the rules. “It’s down to him to make the decision, better sooner than later.”
