Jack Grealish had a simple response when told he expected a passionate reception from Irish fans
Former Ireland international Shay Given has revealed Jack Grealish's cheeky response after being warned of a cold reception awaiting him when England play Ireland.
The Three Lions travel to Dublin for the first time since June 2015 to face off in a UEFA Nations League match at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
It also marks England interim manager Lee Carsley's first game in charge as he looks to make a case for why his role should be made permanent.
Interestingly, Carsley made 40 appearances for Ireland during his time as a player.
But Carsley is not the only figure within the England team to have worn the Irish shirt.
Grealish, born in Birmingham but of Irish descent, represented Ireland at under-17, under-18 and under-21 level but turned down several call-ups to play for the senior team.
The striker's constant rejections sparked speculation that he was on the verge of switching his international allegiance, which Grealish later confirmed in September 2015.
The 28-year-old has made 36 appearances for England, including an appearance at the 2022 World Cup.
Star midfielder Declan Rice is another who made the switch, having played three games for Ireland's senior side before pledging his future to England in February 2019.
With three former Ireland figures now in the England camp, Given warned the trio to expect a hostile atmosphere on Saturday.
“Lee will expect nothing but a volatile reception from his team because they are our biggest rival,” This was reported by The Sun.
“It's going to be an exciting atmosphere, that's for sure. It's crazy how the stars have aligned for their first game to be away to Ireland.”
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“I don't imagine Lee is going to do a lap of honour after the game. He knows what he's getting into.
“Rice and Grealish are two brilliant players who both wore the green jersey of Ireland at one point.
“I'm sure they're in for a great reception too.”
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Given also revealed he had been in contact with Grealish ahead of Saturday's game.
Grealish was reinstated by Carsley after former England manager Gareth Southgate controversially dropped him from the 26-man squad for the European Championship.
Given, who played alongside Grealish at Aston Villa, warned the Manchester City star about what to expect from the Irish fans inside the Aviva Stadium.
But Grealish's response summed up how he feels ahead of the competition.
“Jack is back in the team,” Given said.
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“I jokingly texted him the other day saying I hoped he was ready for a good reception when he got back to Dublin and got a few smiley faces in response.”
Given will no doubt want Ireland to have the final say when the final whistle blows on Saturday, with England aiming to win on Irish soil for the first time in 60 years.
England's last victory over Ireland in Dublin came on 24 May 1964, when they won 3-1 in a friendly.
The fierce rivals have since played out two draws, while their 1995 clash was abandoned due to the Lansdowne Road riots.
However, England are the most recent victor in the historic rivalry after beating Ireland 3-0 in a friendly in November 2020.
Head-to-head history between England and Ireland
England wins: Six (1-0 in 1946, 5-1 in 1957, 3-1 in 1964, 2-0 in 1980, 2-1 in 1985, 3-0 in 2020)
Ireland wins: Two (2-0 in 1949, 1-0 in 1988)
Raffles: Eight
The last time they saw each other: England 3-0 Ireland at Wembley Stadium, November 2020
