Nations League: England start new era with a win

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Republic of Ireland 0 - 2 England

Ireland 0 - 2 England - 1

Lee Carsley started his time as England’s interim manager with a win in the UEFA Nations League against the Republic of Ireland. Declan Rice and Jack Grealish both scored against the team they once represented.

Carsley, who also played for the Republic of Ireland during his career, will oversee England for at least two matches following Gareth Southgate's departure after Euro 2024.

He had a smooth start as the Three Lions triumphed in a vibrant atmosphere at a packed Dublin stadium.

Rice, who earned three senior caps for the Republic of Ireland before switching allegiance in 2019, quietened the home fans with a goal in the 11th minute after Harry Kane’s shot was blocked.

Rice opted not to celebrate. However, former Irish youth player Jack Grealish put his fingers in his ears in response to scoring on his return to the England squad, following his exclusion from Southgate’s Euro 2024 team.

Ireland 0 - 2 England - 2

Does an exciting new era await?

When Lee Carsley walked out of the tunnel just before kick-off at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday, he mistakenly turned towards the Republic of Ireland dugout. However, things quickly improved for him as England put on an impressive performance, winning 2-0 in his first game as interim boss.

England fans have been eager for exciting and entertaining football, something that was lacking under previous head coach Gareth Southgate, despite their run to this summer's European Championship final.

There was definitely a new style here. England played with a zip and a swagger at times to give their fans reason to be believe that the former Everton midfielder could be a good option for the future.

They created six big chances, more than in any of their matches at Euro 2024.They also had more shots than in any of their Euro matches, bar one. An exciting new era could be on the horizon.

The new Republic of Ireland boss couldn't spring a shock

This marked a new beginning for the Republic of Ireland under Hallgrimsson, who previously served as joint head coach of Iceland when they surprised England at Euro 2016. In his first game since being appointed in July, Hallgrimsson aimed to deliver an unexpected victory for the passionate home fanbase.

The new Ireland adventure looked like it could make a promising start, but they conceded two goals in 15 minutes. Despite being ranked 58th in Fifa's world rankings - 54 places below their opponents - the Irish Republic showed resilience in the second half and came close to scoring through Szmodics.

This match was the Republic of Ireland's first in three months, and they are set to face Greece in Dublin on Tuesday. Hallgrimsson will be hoping for a strong performance from his players to secure his first win as head coach.

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