Jack Grealish and Declan Rice lined up for England against Ireland on Saturday but had history been different, roles would have been reversed.
The pair previously represented their latest Nations League opponent at various developmental levels before being drafted into the Three Lions’ setup.
Rice even made three senior appearances in friendlies for the Boys in Green under Martin O’Neill before switching his international allegiances in 2019.
Such is the animosity that remains over their decisions that some Irish supporters did not hold back ahead of kick-off at the Aviva Stadium.
But Rice and Grealish soon left home supporters eating their words by putting Lee Carsley’s side into a commanding lead during the first half.
The Arsenal midfielder hit a first-time opener before teeing up his Manchester City counterpart for a rolled finish midway through the opening 45 minutes.
To his credit, Rice refused to celebrate against the country where he could have been plying his international trade if history had turned out differently.