Any hopes James Maddison might declare for the Republic of Ireland seem dead in the water after the Leicester City playmaker was called up to Gareth Southgate's England squad for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Kosovo.
The FAI had reportedly been interested in trying to lure Maddison - eligible to play for Ireland through a grandparent - into the fold.
He had been named in Southgate's panel for the Nations League games with Spain and Croatia last October but didn't get off the bench.
That left the door open for the FAI to attempt to turn the talented midfielder's head. However, he's been called up by England alongside other uncapped players Tyrone Mings, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Mason Mount, with Manchester City's Kyle Walker a surprising omission.
Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks was recalled and Liverpool's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was also named in the squad, despite making just two starts since suffering a serious knee injury in April 2018.
Southgate has brought Kieran Trippier back into the fold after omitting him from the Nations League squad and there is a maiden call-up for Wan-Bissaka, leaving World Cup semi-finalist Walker conspicuous by his absence from the 25-man squad.
Fellow Manchester City defender John Stones, who has had a thigh problem, also missed out with Aston Villa defender Mings receiving his first call-up.
Back in may Southampton's Nathan Redmond was a surprise name in Southgate's initial squad for the Nations League finals.
The 25-year-old had also been a target for the Republic of Ireland, with Mick McCarthy previously stating he'd spoken to Redmond's agent but had yet to meet to the player himself.
Redmond ultimately did not feature in those England games and Maddison may still come out of the looming double-header uncapped, but with his international preference so obvious and his stock so high in the Premier League, it seems highly unlikely he'll end up wearing green.
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