Jack Grealish has caught the eye of many soccer fans around the world. With his sheer pace and dribbling abilities, the winger can give opponents’ defenders a run for their money. The 28-year-old has often backed his natural ability to glide past the defenders, with his acute on-the-ball intelligence.
The England international joined the reigning Premier League champions Manchester City in August 2021, after his move away from Aston Villa. So far, in his 97 matches for the club, Jack Grealish has 11 goals and 16 assists to his name. City’s manager Pep Guardiola has always used the player sensibly according to different match situations.
However, Grealish had a difficult choice to make regarding his international career in the year 2015. The 2-year-old found himself in a situation where he had to pick between England and Ireland as his international team.
The winger was born in Birmingham, England, but due to his grandparents’ origin, he was also eligible to play for Ireland.
The player however chose England over Ireland. The main reason behind his choice was reportedly termed by then Ireland’s manager Michael O’Neill.
O’Neill stated that the 28-year-old could represent Ireland while having the same qualities as a soccer player. He further expressed – “but there is no doubt that your profile in English soccer is much higher as an England international”.
From O’Neill’s statement, it can be inferred that Jack’s decision to opt for England over Ireland was based on getting more prolific exposure in English soccer whether at the club or international level. As is often been the case over the years, the players who represent England on the international stage, are often termed to be one of the most important players for their Premier League club.
Jack Grealish on his decision of opting to play for England over Ireland
The current England international has represented the Republic of Ireland at the under-17, under-18, under-19, and under-21 stages from 2011 to 2013. Before making his debut for England in the year 2020, the player also played for England under-21s in a total of seven matches.
Regarding his international preference for England, the Manchester City player stated – “It was not an easy decision as Ireland has a special place through my family”. The player wrote up the message on one of his social accounts. However, the winger did face criticism from some of the fans for his decision.
For England at the international level, the winger has played 34 matches so far. He has also scored two goals for his country. Many soccer pundits and Manchester City fans hold the young star in high regard, hoping for continued success in the near future.