The Republic of Ireland national team could have been one of the most difficult teams to play against in the world if some of the world’s most recognized players had played for them.
Football players like Declan Rice and Jack Grealish started their international football careers with the Republic of Ireland national team.
However, after a lot of convincing, they decided to switch allegiances to play for the Three Lions of England.
Harry Maguire and Harry Kane should be in the starting XI for the UEFA Nations Cup for Ireland; however, they both decided to choose England.
This is the Republic of Ireland’s best XI, including players who choose other nations.
Goalkeeper
Gavin Bazunu
The goalkeeper, who was born in Dublin, Ireland, has played at all levels for the national team so far in his career.
Defenders
Ethan Ampadu
The former Chelsea defender currently plays for the Wales national team. He was previously eligible to play for England, Ireland and Ghana.
However, he chose to play for the Wales team, which qualifies him from his mother, who is from the country.
Harry Maguire
Manchester United defender Maguire could have played for the Republic of Ireland national team, but he optioned for the Three Lions of England.
He is eligible to play for three different countries: England, Northern Ireland, and Ireland.
Maguire was first called up for the England U21 match against Northern Ireland in November 2012.
Nathan Collins
The Brentford defender made his international debut for the Republic of Ireland U17 on October 17, 2016.
Midfielders
Jack Grealish
Grealish, who is of Irish descent through his father, scored England’s second goal against the Republic of Ireland national team in the UEFA Nations League.
He started his international career for the Republican of Ireland U17 in 2011. However, Grealish switched allegiances to the England national team on September 28, 2015.
Kalvin Phillips
The Ipswich midfielder was eligible to play for three different countries (England, the Republic of Ireland, and Jamaica). He ultimately chose England after being called up by Gareth Southgate in August 2020.
Declan Rice
Rice started his international career in 2015 with the Ireland U17. On March 19, 2017, he was named the Republic of Ireland U17 player of the year.
He made his senior debut for the national team against Turkey on March 23, 2018. He switched allegiances to England, as confirmed by FIFA on March 5, 2019.
James Maddison
Tottenham Hotspur star should have been in the Republic of Ireland starting XI, but he preferred to fight for a place in the Three Lions of England.
Maddison has Irish ancestry from his grandparents. He started his international career with the England U-21.
Attackers
Jude Bellingham
The Real Madrid midfielder should have been in the Republic of Ireland national team, but he currently plays for the England team.
Before he started his international career, Jude was eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland and the England national team. However, he opted to represent the English team at all levels.
Harry Kane
The England all-time highest goal scorer could have played for Ireland, but he led the England attack against the Ireland team.
Kane started his international career with the England U-17. He currently plays for the Three Lions of England. Also, he is the captain of the team.
Evans Ferguson
The Brighton striker, who was born in Dublin, Ireland, currently plays for his national team, the Republic of Ireland.
He has made 12 appearances in all competitions for the country, scoring three goals.
Ferguson made his debut for the Ireland in November 2022. He scored his first competitive goal for the Ireland national team against Gibraltar in June 2023.
