The internet reacts as you’d expect to Jack Grealish making his England U21 debut

Kevin McGillicuddy

Jack the lad strikes again.

We’re just a few weeks out from the European Championships and while Irish football fans are planning for France, Jack Grealish is left contemplating relegation.

At least he had his international debut to take his mind off it.

The Aston Villa man was at the centre of controversy this time last year when he was mulling over whether to declare for Ireland or England at senior level.

Eventually, last October, he plumped for the country of his birth and Thursday night he made his debut for the England Under-21s.

And of course, the midfielder posted his delight on social media.

Good result for the boys today vs Portugal. Happy to play my first game for the u21s. pic.twitter.com/TShpV7KHOq

— Jack Grealish (@JackGrealish) May 19, 2016

Grealish was introduced as a second half substitute by Gareth Southgate in the Toulon U20 Tournament, which will count as a full U21 cap, but the reaction to his debut was as mixed as you could imagine.

There was some minor praise.

Well done Jack

— Helena Geary (@helena_geary) May 19, 2016

But mostly it was this sort of thing.

good luck at the euros this summer jack…🖕

— David Ryan (@davidryan1987) May 19, 2016

https://twitter.com/Tonerrrrrrr/status/733427702485639168

His terrible form this season had some confused he was even playing for England.

https://twitter.com/calhunter_/status/733543520540053504

Some fans still hadn’t got over the England-Ireland kerfuffle at all.

well done I'm glad you turned your back on the republic. Slap it up them 🇬🇧🇬🇧

— Brooksie-21 (@BrooksieGAWA) May 19, 2016

Some were bemused at the abuse.

Do the people roasting Jack Grealish for playing for England realise that the kid was actually born and raised in England?? 😐

— Lucy Bronze MBE (@LucyBronze) May 20, 2016

And some just went for the straight down the middle abuse tactic.