Various reports are suggesting Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish is set to snub the Republic of Ireland to represent England at senior international level. The 20-year-old played for Ireland at youth level (U17s, U18s, U21s), and was wanted for their senior outfit as a result of his domestic form in the second-half of last season. However, he’s had eyes on England after manager Roy Hodgson admitted a n interest in having him in the squad, so it Grealish’s future looks set to be with the Three Lions. But is he making the right choice?

Grealish already faces stiff competition for a starting place in the England side, with the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City) and Theo Walcott (Arsenal) – all of whom made the latest squad – ahead of the Villa man in the pecking order. Grealish also has a number of future returning stars to fight with for a place in the team, with Danny Welbeck (Arsenal), Adam Lallana (Liverpool) and Andros Townsend (Tottenham) having previously been called up.

While a talented player who is not shot of self-confidence, it’s hard to see where Grealish can force his way in at present. He has stellar talent to try and dethrone, and with England currently enjoying a 100% record in the qualifiers, Hodgson is unlikely to make too many drastic changes. As for the Republic of Ireland, Martin O’Neill’s side could incorporate Grealish much easier. The competition is much weaker, and could see the 20-year-old making many more caps as a result.

Hodgson does want the youngster, however, saying: “We’ve spoken to him, and what we’ve said is that we think he is a very talented footballer. We think he could have a very good international career, and we would be more than happy if he chose that career to be England. I’m still hoping that’s what he will do. It would be nice if he says yes and then he would have a year to see if he could knock one or two of these players off their perch.”

It’s a massive season, as he’s set to play a full season under Tim Sherwood for Villa, and next summer sees the European Championships in France. Grealish will want to play, but so much could go wrong for the winger. He needs game time as soon as possible with the Three Lions to stand a chance of making the squad, and needs to shine for Villa on a regular basis, something easier said than done. The Republic of Ireland would have the 20-year-old in the reckoning to be first-teamer, while England have a handful of players better than him in his preferred position.