England interim manager Lee Carsley is unconcerned by the frosty reception Declan Rice and Jack Grealish are expected to receive against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.
The Boys In Green take on the Three Lions at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium in the opening game of their respective UEFA Nations League campaigns.
For Rice and Grealish, this will be their first appearance against their former nation in front of fans since they changed their allegiances.
Rice represented Ireland at three youth levels before making three appearances for the senior team, while Grealish was also an Irish youth international, though he has only played for England’s senior side.
At his pre-match press conference, Carsley was asked if he had any worries about fielding the duo given the hostile atmosphere they will be playing in, where he quickly allayed any concerns that their focus would be disrupted.
“No, not all,” he replied. “We spoke – not only [to] Jack and Declan, to the whole squad – we spoke about the atmosphere we expect it to be.
“Exciting, passionate, loud, but it’ll be no different to what the players are used to in Premier League games or high level games. I think they’ll be ready for whatever comes out.”
Carsley represented Ireland during his playing days and he was linked with the manager’s job before being named England interim boss after Euro 2024.
When asked how he expects to be received by the home crowd, Carsley responded: “I’m not sure, to be honest. Probably the same.
“But if the reception that we had off the kids outside was anything to go by it will be very positive.”