Sunday’s UEFA Nations League clash between England and the Republic of Ireland, as the Three Lions aim to secure automatic promotion to League A. This match at Wembley also marks the end of Lee Carsley’s interim spell as England boss, with Thomas Tuchel set to take over next year.
Match Preview
After avenging their earlier loss to Greece with a dominant 3-0 win in Athens, England heads into their final League B Group 2 match leading the standings. A victory would confirm their return to the top tier at the first attempt, bypassing the need for a promotion playoff in March.
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Thursday’s triumph saw Ollie Watkins, Curtis Jones, and an own goal by Odysseas Vlachodimos dismantle Greece. Carsley, who also led England’s U21s to European Championship glory, has reinvigorated the senior side during his brief tenure. However, Wembley hasn’t always been a fortress in Nations League play—England has won just four of their ten home matches in the competition.
Ireland, on the other hand, has little left to play for, having secured third place in the group after a 1-0 win over Finland. Brighton striker Evan Ferguson’s decisive goal, coupled with Caoimhin Kelleher’s heroics, confirmed their playoff berth to retain League B status. However, Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men remain winless against non-Finnish opposition in this year’s tournament.
England extended their unbeaten run against Ireland to eight matches with a 2-0 victory in Dublin earlier this year, courtesy of goals from Jack Grealish and Declan Rice—both former Boys in Green players.
Team News
Carsley has confirmed that captain Harry Kane will start on Sunday after missing the Greece match due to a reported knock. Ezri Konsa’s injury opens the door for Taylor Harwood-Bellis or Jarell Quansah to debut in central defense, while Morgan Rogers and Jarrod Bowen may add fresh energy to the attack. Jude Bellingham is likely to retain his role as a creative fulcrum.
For Ireland, the absence of suspended Jason Knight forces a midfield reshuffle, with Jayson Molumby set to partner Josh Cullen. Festy Ebosele’s injury adds to Hallgrimsson’s headaches, while Troy Parrott could step in for Sammie Szmodics up front.
Predicted Lineups
England: Pickford; Lewis, Guehi, Harwood-Bellis, Hall; Gallagher, Gomes; Bowen, Bellingham, Rogers; Kane
Ireland: Kelleher; Doherty, Collins, Scales, O’Dowda; McAteer, Cullen, Molumby, Johnston; Parrott, Ferguson
Match Outlook
With promotion on the line, England’s youthful squad is expected to dominate an Ireland side with nothing significant to play for. While the Boys in Green will likely put up a spirited fight, the Three Lions’ superior depth and form should see them close their Nations League campaign on a high note, allowing Carsley to sign off with a flourish.
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