Aston Villa's Jack Grealish chooses to represent England over Ireland

Despite playing for the Republic of Ireland at the youth level, Jack Grealish has decided to represent England in senior international competitions.

The 20-year-old Aston Villa midfielder is therefore eligible for selection. England manager Roy Hodgson could elect to call up Grealish for upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania in October.

"It was not an easy decision as Ireland has a special place with me through my family," Grealish said in an Instagram post. "However, I have decided to represent my country of birth."

Grealish was indeed born in Solihull, just outside Birmingham. But he has Irish grandparents and lineage, and he suited up in green at the under-17, under-18, and under-21 international levels.

Hodgson called upon Grealish to make a final decision earlier this month.

"As far as I am concerned, I would like him to come out and say: 'I've thought about it, I've got the two possibilities and I'm opting for England.' And then of course he will be available for selection," Hodgson said.

That's exactly what Grealish has done.