On Saturday evening, Dublin’s Aviva Stadium will host the beginning of two new managerial tenures as Lee Carsley’s England take on Heimir Hallgrimsson’s Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Nations League. Both teams are competing in League B Group 2, where they will also face Finland and Greece, all aiming for promotion to the top tier of the tournament.
England’s former manager, Gareth Southgate, ended his tenure following a disappointing second-place finish at Euro 2024, which was seen as an anticlimax after England’s underwhelming performance throughout the tournament.
Southgate, who was initially appointed as a temporary manager, had been succeeded by Carsley on an interim basis. The FA is currently evaluating long-term options for the position, with Pep Guardiola’s name mentioned as a potential candidate.
Ireland vs. England: Team Form & Head-to-Head
Carsley, who previously managed the Under-21s, will be keen to make a strong start in his new role, with a focus on returning England to the top tier of the Nations League. Following their match in Dublin, England will also face Finland at Wembley. The last time this fixture took place was back in November 2020 when England found victory with a 3-0 score-line.
At the same time, Ireland is embarking on a new managerial era with Heimir Hallgrimsson, who replaces Stephen Kenny. Kenny’s tenure ended after a disappointing run that saw Ireland fail to qualify for major tournaments and win only 11 of his 40 matches. Hallgrimsson, who previously managed Iceland and Jamaica, has been tasked with revitalizing the Irish team. His most notable achievement was being part of the Icelandic coaching team during Euro 2016, where they notably defeated England.
Hallgrimsson’s first challenge includes a double-header in Dublin, with Greece set to visit on September 10. Ireland has struggled in recent matches, winning only two of their last 10 games and failing to score in three of their last four.
Team News
In Carsley’s squad, there are four uncapped players: Tino Livramento, Noni Madueke, Angel Gomes, and Morgan Gibbs-White. The team also sees the absence of key players like Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Ollie Watkins due to injuries, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to start as a right-back. Harry Kane is set to earn his 99th cap.
For Hallgrimsson’s Ireland, the squad includes two potential debutants: goalkeeper Max O’Leary and Leicester City’s Kasey McAteer. Veteran Seamus Coleman, aged 35, is set to make his 73rd appearance. The young striker Evan Ferguson will be looking to secure a central position, competing with Callum Robinson, Adam Idah, and Troy Parrott.
Ireland vs. England: Predicted Starting Lineups
Ireland: Kelleher; Coleman, O’Shea, Collins, Brady; Ogbene, Browne, Smallbone, O’Dowda; Ferguson, Idah
England: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Maguire, Colwill; Rice, Mainoo; Saka, Eze, Gordon; Kane
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