Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka will be in action for England during this week’s international break.
Several of Mikel Arteta’s first team players have joined up with their respective national teams to embark on a week away from domestic football.
For Rice and Saka, a new challenge awaits with the Three Lions, as Lee Carsley takes charge of England following Gareth Southgate’s exit.
The Euro 2024 finalists will come up against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in the Nations League, with the clash against Ireland set to be a memorable occasion for Rice in particular.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice to be booed for England against Ireland
It’s been an eventful week for Rice, who was controversially sent off for Arsenal during the Gunners’ 1-1 draw with Brighton in the Premier League.
As a result, the midfielder will be suspended for the North London derby however, his start to the season could be about to get even more bleak.
In an interview with the Sunday World, frontman of legendary band Wolfe Tones, Brian Warfield, shared how he intends to make life hard for Rice when England play Ireland on Saturday.
Warfield focused on the reception that both Rice and Jack Grealish should expect during the fixture, with both players representing Ireland until U21 level.
“The Irish fans should let them know what they feel, they dumped Ireland for England,” Warfield said.
“They owe Ireland a bit, they were brought up and trained by the underage squads. So, you think they would have a bit of loyalty. I think it was money over loyalty, that’s what speaks.
“I wouldn’t be happy about them. I think everybody has expressed that over the years. They could have been part of a great side.”
The two players chose to represent England upon reaching senior level, a decision that was not taken well in Ireland.
“If I was in their shoes I wouldn’t be happy about coming here,” Warfield explained.
“You know you’ve done wrong, they must know it by now, and they would be a bit sheepish about coming to Ireland.”
Irish players who have represented Arsenal
It’s yet to be known if Rice will relish or fear the hostile reception he’s expected to be greeted with at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening.
What is clear is that fans in Ireland will be far from welcoming to the Arsenal midfielder, who switched alliances when it came to deciding his senior international career.
While Rice signed for Arsenal as an England international, there have been plenty of Irish players to have represented the Gunners in the past, including the likes of Niall Quinn, David O’Leary, Frank Stapleton and of course, Liam Brady.
Sadly for Irish Arsenal fans, Rice wasn’t destined to join the list, something that Warfield suggested he may grow to regret.
“Declan Rice was tipped to be a future Ireland captain,” the Wolfe Tones singer said.
“We have very few great players and then when we get them and train them up, you’d think they would have a little bit of loyalty to the country.”
Usually, the international break is a period that is dreaded by Premier League fans however, England’s meeting with Ireland is set to provide fireworks, with Rice at the heart of the proposed theatrics.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
