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Confirmed: Jack Grealish has opted to play for England

Grealish, the Aston Villa attacker, has made himself available for Roy Hodgson’s senior team in a move which is certain to infuriate Martin O’Neill, the Republic of Ireland manager.

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It was widely reported recently that Roy Hodgson will name the 20-year-old in his squad to face Estonia and Lithuania in England’s upcoming qualifiers.

Grealish represented Ireland at Under-21 level but was born in England.

“It was not an easy decision as Ireland has a special with me through my family”.

Hodgson has been keen for Grealish to come to a decision about his global future and it was revealed by his club on Twitter on Monday afternoon.

Now though, Grealish has turned his back on Ireland, announcing that he will instead choose to represent England for the rest of his career.

England will also play France in mid-November.

Grealish insisted that he needed more time to make up his mind but just three months later he has opted to represent the Three Lions at senior level.

Grealish, 20, was born in Solihull and has been on the books at Villa since the age of six, with the youngster now a regular first team contributor under Tim Sherwood.

“I’m not 100 per cent certain of what he is waiting for”, the England boss said earlier this month.

However, Hodgson did not pick him to play against the Republic in June, with the England boss saying “it would have been inflammatory at the last minute if he chose us and played”.

He said: “I wouldn’t want to sell [him] for £60million today, put it that way”.

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Grealish has started four Premier League games this season and has registered one goal and no assists, although he has created four chances for his teammates.

Grealish opts to play for England