Declan Rice first in 13 years to achieve goalscoring feat | OneFootball

Declan Rice has joined an exclusive group of footballers after scoring in England’s 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.

Rice opened the scoring in England’s Nations League win in Dublin, coming back to haunt the team he previously represented at international level.

Declan Rice completes rare goalscoring feat

The Arsenal midfielder was subjected to boos at the Aviva Stadium, having won three senior caps for the Republic of Ireland before switching his international allegiance to his birth nation, England. Given Rice’s appearances for The Boys in Green were friendly fixtures, he was able to change teams – much to the anger of the Irish.

Boos greeted his return to Dublin for Saturday’s contest and the home crowd were left feeling further frustrated after Rice opened the scoring.

In doing so, the 25-year-old became the first footballer since 2011 to score against a country he previously represented.

The last player to achieve the rare feat was former Swindon Town and Brentford winger Ricky Shakes. After winning one cap for Trinidad and Tobago, Shakes won an appeal to change his international allegiance to Guyana.

His third appearance for Guyana saw Shakes star in a win over Trinidad and Tobago. He scored the first goal and created the second for Burnley’s Leon Cort in a 2-1 win for the Golden Jaguars.

Arguably the most notable player to have scored against a country he previously represented is Alfredo Di Stefano. The Real Madrid legend turned out for Argentina, Spain and Colombia during his international career and netted for the Spanish against Argentina in 1961.

Rice refuses to celebrate Ireland goal

Rice refused to celebrate his goal against Ireland, instead raising his hands in an almost apologetic gesture.

Explaining his decision to not celebrate, Rice told Sky Sports News on Saturday: “To have celebrated, it would have been really disrespectful of me.

“My nan and grandad, my dad’s side of the family are all Irish and they’ve obviously passed away. They’re not here anymore. I didn’t want to do that, to be honest with you.

“I had such an amazing time playing for Ireland, even in the first team, the U19s, U21s, They were great memories that live with me. So, look, I don’t have a bad word to say, to be honest with you. I wish them all the best.”

Read – Jack Grealish gives honest reaction to Ireland boos as England win

See more – ‘Nice feeling’ – Declan Rice reflects on scoring for England against former side Ireland

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