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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Miguel Delaney

Brawls, boos and ‘plastic Paddys’: how the English and Irish football teams became eternally entwined

Ireland Gary Breen England Declan Rice Football Jack Grealish Lee Carsley Jack Charlton Harry Kane Dublin
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For some around the Irish squad, it's still strange to be preparing for a match against Lee Carsley’s England. Ireland made a strong push for the admired coach, since he has 40 caps for the country. A solid Ireland midfielder is now the most important figure in English football culture, and will have a tricolour by his name if he takes England to the World Cup.

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