RTE viewers all voice same complaint about Ronnie Whelan's ...

RONNIE WHELAN irritated large swathes of RTE's audience by repeatedly referring to England as 'we' during Sunday's broadcast.

Somehow, Gareth Southgate's unconvincing side snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Slovakia.

Whelan earned 53 Republic of Ireland caps between 1981-95 and famously scored a volley to beat the USSR at Euro '88A moment of brilliance from Jude Bellingham was swiftly followed by Harry Kane nodding home the winner in extra-timeCredit: Getty

The underdogs had gone into the half-time break with a deserved 1-0 lead.

But even by that juncture the 62-year-old had gotten people's backs up with his tendency to refer to England as 'we' and 'us'.

One fan, Larry Rogan, raged: "Ronnie Whelan has used the term 'we' about 6/7 times already while commentating on the England v Slovakia match on RTE."

While another viewer begged: "Someone should take Ronnie Whelan aside at half-time, and explain to him that cheer-leading for England is not part of his job description.

"53 caps for Ireland, but England is 'we'."

Another tweet along those same lines read: "For the love of God can we get rid of Ronnie Whelan from commentating on England on RTE.

"Seems to be supporting them for some reason."

Lastly, Gary Doyle vented: "Ronnie Whelan, an Irishman who spent most of his life in Liverpool, calling England 'we' and raging about a goal against them not being disallowed."

Of course identity is a complex thing with it not being as black and white for some people as it is for others.

Whelan had to leave Dublin behind for Liverpool as a teenager to chase his dream of making it big as a footballer.

He has continued to live in the UK for over 40 years so it is understandable his sense of self is more muddied than Irish people who have lived at home all their lives.

But it isn't the first time his commentary during a major England match has irritated the masses.

During the Qatar World Cup his favourable assessment of their showing against France drew similar derision across Irish Twitter.

It should be noted that the bulk of people complaining about him on Sunday night probably have no issue with rooting for a Premier League club week in and week out.

But since the Irish/English dynamic is such a historically weighty one, it might be for the best if RTE opt to use someone else on co-comms the next time England are in action.

That's set to be on Saturday when they'll face Italy's conquerors Switzerland at 5 pm.

Having easily dispatched of the reigning European champions, Granit Xhaka and Co will fancy their chances of dumping the other 2021 finalists out too.

The other confirmed quarter-final tie could serve as a de facto final as hosts Germany will lock horns with the tournament's most impressive team so far in Spain.