Roy Hodgson feared backlash if Jack Grealish played for England against Ireland

England manager Roy Hodgson has said that he has not offered Aston Villa winger Jack Grealish a call-up to the Three Lions squad for their friendly against the Republic of Ireland for fear of a hostile reception.

The Birmingham-born 19-year-old qualifies for the Republic through his grandparents, but he turned down a call-up from the Boys In Green for the game in Dublin on June 7.

Hodgson is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "It would have been inflammatory if, at the last minute, [Grealish] chose us and played.

"But we've been in regular contact with him, his family and his advisers. He's fully aware that if he wants to play for England we'd be very happy to take him."

Grealish has made 16 Premier League appearances this season.