Declan Rice Explains Decision Not To Celebrate Against Ireland

Declan Rice has admitted that celebrating his goal against the Republic of Ireland would’ve been disrespectful to his family.

England secured their first victory under interim manager Lee Carsley on Saturday, with Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Manchester City winger Jack Grealish scoring stunning goals against Liverpool’s Caoim Kelleher.

The Three Lions returned from Dublin with a 2-0 victory in their opening UEFA Nations League fixture.

However, not all members of the squad were quick to celebrate.

Rice opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a powerful shot into the top corner, drawing boos from a large majority of the Irish fans in attendance. After putting his side ahead Rice made the decision not to celebrate.

“To have celebrated, it would have been disrespectful of me,” he told Sky Sports News after the victory. “My nan and grandad, my dad’s side of the family, are all Irish, and they’ve passed away. They’re not here anymore.

“I didn’t want to do that, to be honest with you. I had such an amazing time playing for Ireland, even in the first team, the U19s and U21s; they were great memories that live with me. So, look, I don’t have a bad word to say, to be honest with you. I wish them all the best.”

Rice, after representing Ireland at three youth levels, went on to three appearances for the team before deciding to his allegiance to England. Grealish, who scored in Saturday’s victory, took a route, having played for Ireland’s youth teams; however, they never made an appearance for the senior team.

The City star made a stunning return to international football after failing to receive a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad, admitting there’s “no bad blood whatsoever” after scoring against his former nation.

England is scheduled to play again on Tuesday for their match against Finland at the Wembley Stadium.