Astonishing XI of England stars who could have played for Ireland including Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney and Jack Grealish

LEE CARSLEY will be hoping to get one over his former side the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League on Saturday.

Interim England boss Carsley has wasted no time stamping his mark on the senior squad after including four stars from his European Championship-winning U21 side.

Ireland have often played second-fiddle to players who are eligible for both the Boys in Greens and the Three Lions.

Carsley himself was born in Birmingham but after failed attempts to break into the England, he was called up to Ireland, earning 40 caps.

But who else from England could have played for Ireland?

Let’s start with a current Three Lions superstar who actually represented Ireland’s senior side – Declan Rice.

The London-born midfielder qualified for Ireland through his Irish-born parental grandparents and his three appearances came in friendlies, but if Rice had played in ONE more game he wouldn’t have been able to switch allegiance.

He then elected to play for England to the dismay of Irish fans, earning 35 caps and becoming a midfield staple for Gareth Southgate.

Jack Grealish is another player who was in the Irish system and had represented the underage teams for several years.

The Birmingham-native qualified for Ireland as three of his grandparents were Irish and he was named the U21 Player of the Year.

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Grealish would switch also allegiance and initially play for England’s U21 team before making his senior debut in September 2020.

Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane and Paul Scholes all have strong Irish roots through their paternal grandparents.

The Bayern Munich star surpassed Rooney’s scoring record with 53 goals for England in March 2023.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid midfield star and Ballon d’Or nominee Jude Bellingham is eligible to play for Ireland through his father, Mark.

Aaron Lennon was entitled to play for Ireland through his mother, but a some glittering early-career performances earned him a call-up to England’s 2006 World Cup squad while still a teenager.

Chelsea legend Gary Cahill could have starred for the Green Army through his Irish grandmother, but the Derby-born legend only had eyes for England.

The Champions League winning centre-back went on to earn 60 caps for England between 2009-2018.

While 81-capped Rio Ferdinand turned down the opportunity to play for Ireland through his Irish grandmother.

Harry Maguire, who missed out on Euro 2024 through injury but broke back into Carsley’s squad last week, could have worn the green jersey through both sets of grandparents.

While Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy’s one England cap in 2018 prevented him from playing for those across the Irish Sea.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk