Jack Grealish returned to the England side in style by getting on the scoresheet during his side’s 2-0 victory against the Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Nations League.
Rice set Grealish’s strike up after running in behind the Irish defence to provide him with the perfect cutback on the edge of the box.
The £100 million man gave Caoimhin Kelleher no chance in between the sticks as he slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
Lee Carsley praised Grealish after his first game as England interim boss — reiterating that the three-time Premier League winner does not have anything prove to him in particular.
Grealish described his omission from Euro 2024 as a part of the Three Lions squad as the “hardest moment” he has faced during his professional career.
However, Lee Carsley has given the Manchester City attacker a second chance by not just picking him as a part of the England roster for the Nations League but starting him on Saturday as well.
What Rice said about Grealish after England beat Republic of Ireland
Usually, Grealish tends to play on the left-wing for club and country.
But against Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side, the former Aston Villa attacker was deployed in somewhat of a free role as it initially seemed like he was deployed as the number 10.
According to Sofascore, the Champions League winner made two key passes, completed 88% of his passes (38 out of 43), won four out of his five ground duels and scored a goal.
Grealish was taken off in the 77nd minute — with Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White replacing him.
Several England teammates expressed their support for the 28-year-old on his Instagram post after he enjoyed a fine outing against the Irish.
Rice, who scored the opening goal commented: “My boy, man”, followed by a heart emoji.
Harry Maguire wrote: “He’s back”, followed by a lovestruck emoji.
John Stones commented: “Here he is!”
Just the confidence boost Jack Grealish needed
After a start to the season that has been dampened by injuries, Grealish has got two back-to-back starts under his belt — in a 3-1 win against West Ham United and against the Republic of Ireland in an England shirt.
Despite the decorated dribbler’s impressive showing against the Hammers, he did not have a goal or an assist to show for his performance.
But against the Republic of Ireland, Grealish scored an important goal in a game where he also fared well — which will give him the confidence boost he perhaps needed after a challenging few months for club and country.
The England international will be determined to put in yet another sparkling showing against Finland on Tuesday night.
Grealish will be heading into the contest full of self-belief as he embarks on a journey to redeem himself for both the Three Lions and City this season.
