Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has said that England should do all that they can to ensure that Jack Grealish represents them rather than the Republic of Ireland.
The 19-year-old winger impressed in Villa's FA Cup semi-final victory over Liverpool on Sunday, and it is thought that he is in the middle of an international tug-of-war between England and Ireland.
Despite representing the Green Army at three different age groups up to and including Under-21s level, he is also eligible to represent the Three Lions having been born and raised in England, while an invitation to train with the senior Ireland side was previously turned down.
"We want to try to bring as many young English players through as possible and, if we miss the boat with Jack, it is a crying shame," Hendrie told the Daily Telegraph. "I personally think he might jump across and play for England.
"I know he has played at the lower levels for Ireland but I think he would jump across if he was considered to be a key figure for them [England]. And, looking at his talent, he should have every chance."
England face Ireland in a friendly in Dublin on June 7.
Steven Toplis
