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 started his senior career at Chelsea, represented England up to under-20 level and captained their European Under-19 Championship triumph in 2022.
Vale, who holds an Irish passport, earns an immediate call-up after his allegiance switch was confirmed by Fifa last week.
“I talked to him over a year ago,” said Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimssom, who revealed during his news conference that he has signed a contract extension until 2028.
“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 perfect time to bring him into the squad.
“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 in his 25-man panel after he missed the qualifying campaign with a calf injury.
With key midfielder 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.
Sammie Szmodics also returns after missing most of the qualifying campaign, while there is a call-up for uncapped Luton Town goalkeeper Josh Keeley.
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 (19:45 GMT).
Victory for Hallgrimsson’s side would set up a play-off final at home to Denmark or North Macedonia on 31 March.
