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Teddy Sheringham believes that the Republic of Ireland would be playing at this year’s World Cup in Qatar if both Jack Grelish and Declan Rice

Jack Grealish and Declan Rice of England (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

Former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham believes that the Republic of Ireland would be playing at this year’s World Cup in Qatar if both Jack Grelish and Declan Rice still played for the Irish national side.

Both Rice and Grealish were born in England, but have relations from Ireland.. The pair played underage for the Republic, however both decided to play for their country of birth.

Rice went onto win Republic of Ireland U17 Player of the Year in 2016 and the FAI Young International Player of the Year in 2018 before declaring for England

Grealish played for the Ireland U17, 18, and 21 side, but declined a senior call-up from Martin O’Neill.

On 28 September 2015, Grealish confirmed that he had decided to represent England at international level

Both players have gone on to become stars for England and currently playing for Gareth Southgates’s England side in Qatar,

Teddy Sheringham sat down BoyleSports Football Betting and said both players would have made a massive difference to Stephen Kenny’s side.

Former England international Teddy Sheringham believes Ireland would currently be competing at the World Cup in Qatar if Jack Grealish and Declan Rice had opted to remain with the Boys in Greenhttps://t.co/pOKzgpoM3M

— Irish Daily Mirror (@IrishMirror) November 24, 2022

“Ireland would without doubt be at the World Cup if Grealish and Rice had chosen them over England,” said the former United striker

They're two world class players and that makes a difference to every team.

If you took Declan Rice out of West Ham's team, they wouldn't be half the team they are.

He's made the position his own for England and learnt a lot from Mark Noble about when to pass it, when to get rid of it and when to get out of trouble. He's got everything.

If Ireland had him and Grealish, who I wanted to start the other night for England, they would make a massive difference for the country.

Ireland’s Euro 2024 campaign begins on the 27th of March 2023. Ireland welcome France to Dublin for the opening game