Wayne Rooney says he never considered playing for Ireland and neither should Jack Grealish.
The England captain was sounded out by Lee Carsley and Mick McCarthy while he was a teenager at Everton, as he has Irish grandparents, but says he was never tempted to don the green jersey.
“Lee Carsley asked me (on behalf of Republic boss Mick McCarthy) about it and it never crossed my mind,” he said in the lead up to today’s friendly between Ireland and England at the Aviva Stadium.
“I have Irish grandparents, so if they wanted to play for Ireland I’m sure they could have, but it was never something I thought about.
“I was born in England, I’m English.”
On Grealish, he added: “It’s down to him, really. I’m a firm believer that the country you are born in is who you should play for, but the rules are the rules.
“It’s down to him to make the decision, and better sooner than later.”
England manager Roy Hodgson revealed that Grealish sought talks with the Football Association over his international future and he too is keen for the Aston Villa playmaker to make a decision.
“I believe that there have been discussions,” the England manager said.
“I think Jack Grealish initiated some discussions with the FA. They were not initiated by me. I haven’t spoken to him.
“He’s still a young player with a very bright future either for England or Ireland, and he should make up his mind.
“Under the rules he can play for either country, so he has the choice. I’m sure that he and his family and representatives will make the decision which suits him and we won’t put pressure on him, other than to say we’d be happy to have him in our ranks.
“He’s a good player, but it’s for him to decide where his loyalty lies.”
