Explained: Why Declan Rice and Jack Grealish will be booed during England's UEFA Nations League clash against the Republic of Ireland

England kick off their 2024 Nations League campaign with a clash against the Republic of Ireland in their own backyard. The Three Lions are never going to get a warm reception in the country, due to their controversial history with the Emerald Isle, but Rice and Grealish are likely to be booed on Saturday night - and here's why.

Both Arsenal's Rice and Manchester City's Grealish qualified for Ireland through their respective grandparents, with the former representing the first-team in three friendlies and the latter playing for them up until under-21 level. Both eventually made the switch to England and Irish supporters have not forgotten that move ever since, hence why they are likely to be booed this weekend.

Rice officially declared for England in February 2019 despite then-boss Mick McCarthy reportedly promising to build a team around him. Grealish made the switch from Ireland to England in 2015, before making his senior debut in 2020. Rice has since chalked up 58 England appearances and Grealish has 36 caps to his name.

After England's clash with Ireland, which 25-year-old midfielder Rice and 29-year-old winger Grealish may feature in, the Three Lions round off their international break at home to Finland on Tuesday night.