Lee Carsley began his tenure as England’s interim manager with a UEFA Nations League victory over the Republic of Ireland, as former Irish players Declan Rice and Jack Grealish both found the net against their former team.
Carsley, who also played for the Republic of Ireland during his career, is overseeing England for at least two matches following Gareth Southgate’s resignation after Euro 2024.
In a lively atmosphere at a packed stadium in Dublin, the Three Lions were rarely troubled. Rice, who played three friendlies for Ireland before switching to England in 2019, opened the scoring in the 11th minute, netting a rebound from Harry Kane’s blocked shot. Despite boos from the home crowd, Rice chose not to celebrate.
Grealish, who played for Ireland at youth level, added England’s second goal in the 26th minute after a well-executed move, with Rice providing the assist. Grealish, returning to the squad after being left out of Southgate’s Euro 2024 side, celebrated by putting his fingers in his ears in response to the crowd.
The Republic of Ireland, under new manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, started brightly and had an early opportunity when Jayson Molumby headed over the bar in the third minute. Sammie Szmodics later forced a save from England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, but England soon took control of the match.
The England squad appeared rejuvenated after their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, and Carsley’s first game in charge ended on a positive note. England will now aim to build on this momentum when they face Finland at Wembley on Tuesday, where captain Harry Kane is expected to earn his 100th cap.
Encouragement for England’s new era
This marked England’s first match in eight years without Gareth Southgate at the helm, following his resignation just two days after their defeat in the Euro 2024 final.
Lee Carsley, the Under-21 manager, has taken over on an interim basis while the Football Association searches for a permanent successor tasked with ending the long drought for an England men’s major trophy.
Fans were eager for a more dynamic, attacking style of play, and Carsley’s team delivered with a captivating first-half display that overwhelmed the Republic of Ireland.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, returning to the starting lineup after being omitted during Euro 2024, gave a composed performance at right-back, while Anthony Gordon, who had limited game time in Germany, posed a constant threat on the wing.
England played with confidence and flair before half-time, exuding energy and style, though their momentum slowed somewhat in the second half.
Nevertheless, there were many positives, including the senior debuts of Morgan Gibbs-White and Angel Gomes, reflecting England’s dominance.
Pre-match attention had focused on Carsley’s decision not to sing the national anthem, a stance he has consistently maintained since his days as a Republic of Ireland player and as England Under-21 coach.
However, by the final whistle, fans were far more interested in the team’s promising performance than any off-field headlines.
Republic’s new boss can’t spring a shock
This match also marked a fresh beginning for the Republic of Ireland under their new manager, Heimir Hallgrimsson, who had previously co-led Iceland when they shocked England at Euro 2016.
Hoping to engineer another upset in his debut game since taking charge in July, Hallgrimsson aimed to give the passionate home crowd a memorable performance.
The Republic started brightly but were undone by two quick goals within 15 minutes. Ranked 58th by FIFA—54 places below England—the Irish side fought hard in the second half, with Szmodics coming close to scoring.
Having not played for three months, the Republic of Ireland will now face Greece in Dublin on Tuesday, where Hallgrimsson will be looking to secure his first win as manager.
Player of the match: J. Grealish.
