"I was Ireland manager when Grealish and Rice defected to England - I couldn't care less"

Mick McCarthy is unconcerned about the loss of Jack Grealish and Declan Rice to England.

The former Ireland manager was in charge of the national team when both players opted to represent the Three Lions instead.

Grealish, who was born in Birmingham, played for Ireland at youth level before switching to England in 2015.

Rice, who was born in London, also played for Ireland at youth level before declaring for England in 2019.

McCarthy said he was "disappointed" when Grealish and Rice made their decisions, but he understands why they did so.

"I was disappointed when they did it, but I can understand why they did it," said McCarthy. "They're both English boys, and they want to play for England.

"I'm not going to hold it against them. I wish them all the best."

McCarthy's comments come after Grealish made his debut for England in a friendly against the United States in November 2020.

Rice has also been capped by England, making his debut in a Euro 2020 qualifier against the Czech Republic in October 2019.

Both players are expected to be part of England's squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.