Ireland will travel to Wembley Stadium on Sunday to play England in the last fixture of their group in the UEFA Nations League. England hopes to continue its recent streak of back-to-back wins with an already secured spot in the playoffs. Ireland is already out of the competition as they currently stand in the third spot with just 6 points.
Match Details
Match: England vs Ireland
Stadium: Wembley Stadium
Date & Time: Nov 17, 2024 at 5 pm UK
England vs Ireland: Preview
Free from speculation about his future as England manager, Lee Carsley oversaw a confident and dominant display from his team on Thursday night, as they delivered a resounding response to their October defeat against Greece.
Now, a victory at Wembley in Carsley’s final match in charge will secure England’s immediate return to League A. After this, the Under-21 Euros-winning coach will step back to focus on youth development, handing over the senior team to Thomas Tuchel. However, if England falters on Sunday, Tuchel’s first challenge could be navigating a promotion playoff.
Despite the high stakes, England’s home record in the Nations League is less than stellar, with only four wins from 10 matches and just one victory in their last five outings at Wembley. For Ireland, Sunday’s encounter holds less significance, as their fate is already sealed.
Earlier this week, Ireland secured a gritty 1-0 win over Finland in Dublin to confirm a third-place finish. Brighton star Evan Ferguson scored the decisive goal, but it was goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher who stole the spotlight with a stunning double save to deny a Joel Pohjanpalo penalty and Robin Lod’s rebound.
Breaking Down the Clubs
While Ireland avoided automatic relegation to League C, they now face a playoff against a League C runner-up to retain their League B spot. Perennial third-place finishers since the Nations League began in 2018-19, Ireland has struggled this season, failing to score or win against any opponent other than Finland.
England’s recent dominance in this fixture continued in September with a 2-0 win at the Aviva Stadium, courtesy of goals from former Ireland players Jack Grealish and Declan Rice. The victory extended England’s unbeaten run against Ireland to eight matches. Ireland’s last win in this rivalry came at the 1988 European Championship—a memorable 1-0 upset that remains a landmark moment in their football history.
England vs Ireland: Team News
Harry Kane is set to return to England’s starting lineup for Sunday’s finale after coming off the bench on Thursday. Manager Lee Carsley confirmed Kane’s inclusion as he navigates the ongoing challenges of nine injured players missing from the squad. To add to his worries, Ezri Konsa had to be replaced during England’s 3-0 victory over Greece due to a hip injury, potentially paving the way for either Jarell Quansah or Taylor Harwood-Bellis to make their senior debut.
Changes in the attacking lineup may also be on the cards. Jarrod Bowen and recent debutant Morgan Rogers are both strong options for the wide roles, though Jude Bellingham is likely to hold onto the number 10 spot.
Ireland Manager Hallgrimsson is facing similar selection headaches. Midfield lynchpin Jason Knight is suspended after accumulating two yellow cards in the group stage. Meanwhile, Watford winger Festy Ebosele, who made an impressive first senior start midweek, is doubtful after limping off with an injury. Kasey McAteer and Finn Azaz are on standby to step in if needed.
Predicted Lineups
England: Pickford; Lewis, Guehi, Harwood-Bellis, Hall; Gallagher, Gomes; Bowen, Bellingham, Rogers; Kane.
Republic of Ireland: Kelleher; Doherty, Collins, Scales, O’Dowda; McAteer, Cullen, Molumby, Johnston; Parrott, Ferguson.
Conclusion
The match promises to be entertaining as both nations battle it out for a spot in the playoffs of the UEFA Nations League 2024 campaign. Some players, like Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and many more elites, can prove themselves as decisive athletes if they win the match and place their team in the playoffs comfortably.
