Former England U19 captain Vale in Republic of Ireland squad

What’s Happening

Real talk: Former England Under-19 captain Harvey Vale is called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for next week’s World Cup play-off semi-final against the Czech Republic.

Story by Former England U19 captain Vale in Republic of Ireland squad Vale has scored three goals in 23 Championship appearances for QPR this season [] BBC Thu, at 12:36 PM UTC · 2 min read Former England Under-19 captain Harvey Vale has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for next week’s World Cup play-off semi-final against the Czech Republic. The 22-year-old Queens Park Rangers midfielder, who kicked off his senior career at Chelsea, represented England up to under-20 level and captained their European Under-19 Championship triumph in 2022. (wild, right?)

Vale, who holds an Irish passport, earns an immediate call-up after his allegiance switch was locked in week.

The Details

“I talked to him over a year ago,” dropped Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson. “He expressed a desire to play for Ireland.

He was injured then so we have been watching him. His development at Queens Park has been growing and it’s a immaculate time to bring him into the squad.

Why This Matters

“Good player, good person, hard-working guy, creator of chances and scoring goals, so I’m looking forward to working with Harvey. ” Hallgrimsson has also recalled veteran Preston wideman Robbie Brady after he missed the qualifying campaign with a calf injury. With Josh Cullen injured, midfielder Alan Browne - who has impressed on loan for Middlesbrough from Sunderland - is included and could win his first cap since 2024.

The sports world never stops delivering these kinds of storylines.

Key Takeaways

• Sammie Szmodics also returns while there is a first call-up for Luton Town goalkeeper Josh Keeley.
• Victory for Hallgrimsson’s side would set up a play-off final at home to Denmark or North Macedonia on 31 March.

The Bottom Line

Having salvaged their qualifying campaign with dramatic wins over Portugal and Hungary, the Republic of Ireland - who last qualified for the World Cup in 2002 - face the Czech Republic in Prague on 26 March. Victory for Hallgrimsson’s side would set up a play-off final at home to Denmark or North Macedonia on 31 March.

What do you think about all this?