Liam Delap set to become the latest player to snub Ireland for England | OneFootball

Liam Delap is the latest player faced with the dilemma of whether to commit their international future to England or the Republic of Ireland.

As was the case with Declan Rice, Jack Grealish and others, English-born Delap is eligible to represent the land of his birth, but also qualifies to play for Ireland. Delap’s Irish connection comes via his father, of course, Rory Delap, the former Stoke City and Southampton midfielder who played for Ireland between 1998 and 2004.

However, despite Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson remaining positive on the prospect of Delap pledging his allegiance to the Republic, it seems highly unlikely the 22-year-old will follow in his father’s footsteps. Here’s why.

Natural successor to Kane

Delap becoming England’s next number nine once Harry Kane hangs up his boots may seem a strange idea to some. The Chelsea striker is yet to earn a call-up to the England senior set-up, which is even stranger, you could say, given the dearth of England strikers about.

But having represented England at all youth levels up to the Under-21s, and the clear similarities in style and physique that Delap shares with Kane, you can appreciate why Delap is being touted as the man to eventually replace England’s record goalscorer and lead the line for The Three Lions in the years to come.

Delap’s first experience of Premier League football with Ipswich saw him score 12 goals, an impressive tally in a struggling team that was eventually relegated. 

And while a combination of injury and suspension has led to a stop-start season so far for new club Chelsea, Delap was back among the goals in the Blues’ comprehensive Champions League victory over Barcelona and will be looking to kick on as Chelsea compete for trophies on several fronts.

Opportunity to win huge honours

Like the rest of the footballing world, Delap would’ve applauded Ireland’s heroics in achieving a play-off spot that gives them a shot at qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

The Boys in Green overcame a disastrous start to their qualification campaign, which included an embarrassing loss to Armenia – considered the worst result in the country’s history, no less – to win their final two games and creep into second place. It was a feat few saw coming, not least the bookies on this list of new Irish betting sites.

But, as great as that was for Ireland and, no doubt, the Irish part of the Delap household, Delap will have the opportunity not only to appear at major international finals but also to be part of a team capable of actually winning a tournament, should he choose England.

The pursuit of silverware was a key factor in Delap choosing to join Chelsea over other suitors, a decision that was vindicated straight away as Chelsea comfortably beat PSG to win the Club World Cup.

Familiar story for Ireland

A player opting to commit to England over Ireland isn’t rare, of course. Ireland have been here before.

Declan Rice famously turned his back on Ireland, even after making three senior appearances for the Irish national side and representing the Republic throughout his youth career. He was even tipped as a future Ireland captain at one point!

Jack Grealish, too, snubbed Ireland’s advances in favour of England, having also turned out for Ireland’s youth teams; the same story for his Everton teammate Michael Keane. Ironically, Keane’s brother Will Keane committed to representing Ireland despite his England youth days.

Ultimately, though, reaching two European Championship Finals and a World Cup semi-final proves Rice and Grealish made the right decision for their respective careers.

Despite Ireland’s hopes and his strong family connections, Liam Delap will inevitably make the same call.