Lee Carsley may not have sung the national anthem but he certainly got a tune out of England as Declan Rice and Jack Grealish came back to haunt the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.
Carsley, placed in interim charge following the resignation of Gareth Southgate after England’s defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024, woke to headlines demanding his dismissal for having the temerity not to sing God Save the King.
But he ended the day having enhanced his claims for taking the job on a permanent basis as first-half goals from Rice and Grealish saw England open their Nations League B – Group Two campaign with a straightforward win at the Aviva Stadium.
In stark contrast, it was a chastening afternoon for Ireland, and their new boss Heimir Hallgrímsson.
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Irish fans target Rice and Grealish
The home fans brought passion and venom, most of it aimed at Rice and Grealish for their decision to snub Ireland and declare for England. Rice played three friendlies for The Boys in Green while Grealish appeared for their Under-21 side.
The pair – who were both born in England but eligible to play for Ireland through their grandparents – were greeted with banners labelling them ‘snakes’ while every touch they made early on was met with jeers.
It had to be Rice and Grealish to score against Ireland 👀 pic.twitter.com/JXiz3G0fZv
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 7, 2024
Unfortunately for the Irish, the energy in the stands was not matched on the pitch as Hallgrimsson’s willingness to play a low block and allow England the ball meant the visitors could control the tempo with little pressure.
Ireland had the first chance – Jayson Molumby heading over at the far post from close range after a right-wing corner was flicked on in the fourth minute. Harry Kane did likewise at the other end three minutes later, wastefully nodding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross off target from six yards.
England did take the lead from their next meaningful attack, though.
Rice strikes to hand England the advantage
Alexander-Arnold’s ball played Anthony Gordon clean through and, although the Newcastle winger’s shot was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher, he recovered to cross to Kane. The Bayern Munich striker’s effort was blocked but Rice was on hand to sweep the ball into the top right-hand corner.
On his return to the Aviva Stadium, Declan Rice fires @England ahead with a thumping strike 💥
Watch #IREvENG on @ITV pic.twitter.com/yoBbQiDITC
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) September 7, 2024
England almost doubled their advantage three minutes later with Rice again instrumental. The Arsenal man led a swift counter which led to the ball being fed to Gordon down the left. His cross was inch perfect for Kane but his close-range shot was well saved by Kelleher.
Liverpool goalkeeper Kelleher was beaten again 10 minutes later when Rice played one-twos with Kobbie Mainoo and Saka before crossing for Grealish to slot a lovely finish into the corner.
You couldn’t write this…
Declan Rice finds Jack Grealish who scores for England against the Republic of Ireland 🏴🇮🇪#IREvENG pic.twitter.com/6nRvwuxMfX
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) September 7, 2024
England were rampant and only some last-ditch defending from Nathan Collins, and then Seamus Coleman, denied Gordon and Kane respectively before half-time.
Second half low on excitement
England’s dominance waned slightly after the break but they were still able to keep Ireland at arm’s length.
Sammie Szmodics and Molumby shot off-target for the hosts while, at the other end, substitute Jarrod Bowen saw an effort saved by Kelleher.
England’s superiority meant the contest fizzled out as Carsley’s men saw the game out with few alarms with only good late saves from the impressive Kelleher preventing Bowen and then Saka from adding a third.
Next up for England is a home game with Finland on Tuesday.
