Jack Grealish scored on his return to the England team (Photo: Getty)
Lee Carsley’s reign as England boss began in style on Saturday as the ThreeLions beat the Republic Ireland 2-0 in Dublin.
Goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish – much to the fury of the Irish fans – got England on their way in their first game since the Euro 2024 final defeat and Gareth Southgate’s resignation.
Carsley’s side were fast, fluid and near unstoppable in the first-half but while they couldn’t keep that up after the break, this was a more than positive start to their Nations League campaign and the Carsley era.
Here’s how the Three Lions got on:
Jordan Pickford – 7
Made a great save to deny Sammie Szmodics while the game was goalless but after that it was a mostly quiet night for the Everton goalkeeper. One dodgy moment when trying to play out from the back but he doesn’t appear to be in danger of losing his No.1 status.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8
Finally allowed a chance to shine for his country after years of being behind Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier. Nearly set Harry Kane up for the opener with a great cross before his sublime ball to Gordon lead to Rice’s goal, though a little sloppy in the second-half.
Marc Guehi – 7
Picked up where he left off from Euro 2024 with a calm and disciplined performance at the back. Supported the attack well when needed.
Trent Alexander-Arnold played a delicious pass in the build-up to the first goal (Photo: Getty)
Harry Maguire – 7
A solid and calm outing for Maguire after missing the Euros with injury which should provide a much-needed confidence boost for the Manchester United centre-back. Caused problems from set-pieces as per usual.
Levi Colwill – 7
The Chelsea star marked his competitive international debut by playing out of position at left-back but coped well. Booked in the closing stages.
Declan Rice – 9
Much of the build-up to the game centred on the reception Rice and Grealish would get from the home fans, so it was destiny when the midfielder opened the scoring before setting up his fellow ex-Ireland star for the second. Brilliant all over the pitch.
Declan Rice – who played three times for Ireland – refused to celebrate scoring against them (Photo: Getty)
Kobbie Mainoo – 7
Sat deeper than his midfield partner and linked play well. Booked early on.
Bukayo Saka – 7
A constant threat down the right flank as per usual. Came close to setting up Bowen in injury time before nearly scoring himself.
Jack Grealish – 8
Quieter than his fellow attackers but just as influential with an excellent finish on his return to the national team. Unlike Rice, plenty of emotion in his celebration after a difficult year for club and country.
Anthony Gordon’s pace was a constant problem for Ireland (Photo: Getty)
Anthony Gordon – 8
Showed why there were so many calls for him to play more at the Euros. His pace constantly caused Ireland’s defence problems and was …read more
Source:: Metro
