Lee Carsley secured his first victory as England’s senior team manager, with the Three Lions defeating Ireland 2-0 in their 2024/25 UEFA Nations League opener on Saturday.
Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, both former Ireland representatives at youth and senior levels, were booed by the Dublin crowd but responded with first-half goals to seal a comfortable win for England.
England’s League B campaign continues on Tuesday against Finland, as Carsley aims for consecutive victories to kickstart his tenure.
Match Overview:
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The game began in a lively atmosphere at the Aviva Stadium. Ireland had an early chance when Jayson Molumby connected with a header at the far post in the third minute, but his effort went over the bar.
England opened the scoring in the 11th minute through Declan Rice. After Anthony Gordon’s shot was saved, the rebound fell to Rice, who calmly curled his strike into the top corner from 12 yards out.
The Three Lions doubled their lead in the 26th minute, with Rice involved again in a slick passing move that ended with him setting up Jack Grealish, who slotted the ball into the far corner.
England had further chances to extend their lead, with Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane seeing efforts blocked before halftime. Ireland nearly pulled one back in the second half when Chiedozie Ogbene set up Sammie Szmodics, but his shot went just wide.
Despite a more subdued second half, England controlled the game. Gordon and substitute Jarrod Bowen tested Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, and Bukayo Saka came close to adding a third in stoppage time. However, Kelleher made a key save to keep the scoreline at 2-0.
England saw out the game comfortably, securing a clean sheet and an important first win for Carsley in their Nations League campaign.