England faces a crucial showdown in League B Group 2, where they’re up against old rivals while Finland and Greece also fight for promotion to the top tier of European competition. Following a challenging Euro 2024, where Gareth Southgate’s England fell short once again with a silver medal, the focus has shifted to a new chapter for the national team.
Despite leading England to the final, many were surprised by their journey, given Southgate’s team had often struggled throughout the tournament. In the end, Spain, managed by Luis de la Fuente, proved too strong for England. Southgate’s tenure, marked by highs and lows, came to an end as he stepped down after nearly eight years.
With Southgate’s departure, the FA has appointed Ashley Carsley on an interim basis while they search for a long-term replacement. Pep Guardiola's name has been floated as a potential candidate, though Carsley’s focus will be on steering England back to the top of the Nations League, a competition they were embarrassingly relegated from in 2022-23. England’s upcoming clash against Finland at Wembley, just days after facing Ireland in Dublin, will be a crucial test for Carsley.
Meanwhile, Ireland has also made a managerial change. Heimir Hallgrimsson, who previously managed Iceland and Jamaica, has been appointed as the new permanent head coach. Hallgrimsson takes over from Stephen Kenny, who struggled to end Ireland’s major tournament drought and won only 11 of his 40 matches in charge.
Hallgrimsson’s appointment follows a mixed interim spell by John O'Shea, who led Ireland to victories over Hungary and a notable draw with Belgium but also saw losses to Switzerland and Portugal.
Hallgrimsson, known for his role in Iceland's surprise Euro 2016 campaign, will face a challenging start with Ireland having only two wins in their last ten games and struggling to find the net in recent matches.
Ireland will get a chance to impress in their upcoming home matches, starting with a game against Greece on September 10. However, their record against England has been poor since their last victory over them in the 1988 Euros, having drawn the subsequent six encounters before a 3-0 defeat in a 2020 friendly.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
England manager Ashley Carsley is giving a chance to some of his former Under-21 players, bringing in four uncapped talents: Tino Livramento, Noni Madueke, Angel Gomes, and Morgan Gibbs-White. Livramento has earned his spot thanks to Kieran Trippier’s international retirement, Kyle Walker’s exclusion, and Ben White’s personal decision not to play.
Gibbs-White and Gomes now have a better shot at making their debuts due to the withdrawals of Cole Palmer and Phil Foden. Ollie Watkins has also pulled out due to injury, joining Jude Bellingham, Ivan Toney, Luke Shaw, and Aaron Ramsdale on the sidelines.
Carsley’s decision to use Trent Alexander-Arnold as a right-back rather than a midfielder could boost Alexander-Arnold's chances of starting. Meanwhile, Harry Kane is on the brink of his 99th cap and is still one of the top scorers at the Euros, despite facing some personal challenges.
For Ireland, new manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has called up two players hoping for their first senior caps: goalkeeper Max O'Leary and Leicester City forward Kasey McAteer. However, O'Leary will likely be a backup to Caoimhin Kelleher.
Hallgrimsson has made significant changes from the squad that played in June, leaving out nine players including defenders Shane Duffy and Enda Stevens. Despite this, 35-year-old captain Seamus Coleman remains a key figure and is set to earn his 73rd cap.
In an effort to overcome recent injury struggles, 19-year-old Evan Ferguson of Brighton & Hove Albion will compete for a central attacking role alongside Callum Robinson, Adam Idah, and Troy Parrott. Hallgrimsson’s system might accommodate two strikers, so there could be room for multiple number nines in his plans.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
Republic of Ireland possible starting lineup:
Kelleher; Coleman, O'Shea, Collins, Brady; Ogbene, Browne, Smallbone, O'Dowda; Ferguson, Idah
England possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Maguire, Colwill; Rice, Mainoo; Saka, Eze, Gordon; Kane
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
Rep Of Ireland 1-2 England
Despite the absence of key players like Bellingham, Foden, and Palmer, England still have plenty of attacking talent to challenge Ireland's defense. On the other hand, Ireland has struggled to make an impact up front. With the new era under Carsley kicking off, England’s chances of starting strong look promising.
