The Ireland vs England match is set to kick off the UEFA Nations League campaign with an exciting clash against the UEFA EURO 2024 finalists. The game will take place at Dublin’s sold-out Aviva Stadium, adding to the high anticipation. This fixture also marks the debut of Ireland’s new Head Coach, Heimir Hallgrímsson, who took over in July.
This is England’s first game since their tough loss in the UEFA EURO 2024 final. Following Gareth Southgate’s departure, interim coach Lee Carsley will lead them. Both teams are eager to start their campaigns with a strong performance, especially with FIFA World Cup qualifiers on the horizon next year.
Ireland vs England Match Details:
- Fixture: Republic of Ireland vs. England
- Competition: UEFA Nations League
- Date: Saturday, September 7
- Kick-off: 5 PM
- Location: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- TV Broadcast: RTE
- Tickets: SOLD OUT
Match Officials:
- Referee: José Maria Sánchez (ESP)
- Assistant Referees: Iñigo Prieto (ESP), José Naranjo (ESP)
- VAR: Juan Martinez Munuera (ESP)
Team News and Build-up
Republic of Ireland’s Head Coach, Heimir Hallgrímsson, has confirmed that his squad is fully fit for the encounter. Hallgrímsson is eager to experience the energetic atmosphere, knowing that his players are naturally motivated to face England. However, his main focus is to ensure that they remain composed and follow tactical instructions.
“It’s probably not necessary to motivate the players to play against England. It’s more about reminding them of the tactics and cooling them down, so they can focus on what they should be doing on the pitch,” Hallgrímsson said in his pre-match press conference.
Ireland’s captain, Seamus Coleman, also shared his excitement and praised the new coach. He emphasized the hard work the team has put into training and their determination to perform well for their country.
“You’ve got to turn up every day in training and give your best while you can. Then it’s up to the manager to decide who plays,” said Coleman.
Ireland vs England Key Stats and Insights:
- This will be the Republic of Ireland’s first competitive match against England since a 1-1 draw in a European Championship qualifier in November 1990. Their most recent meeting, however, was a goalless friendly in 2015.
- England is currently experiencing a dip in their scoring form, with an average of only 1.2 goals per game in 2024, their lowest since 2000.
- This game marks a fresh start for England, as Lee Carsley steps in as interim coach, replacing Gareth Southgate. Interestingly, Carsley is a former international representative of the Republic of Ireland.
- Ireland has shown improvement in the UEFA Nations League, winning two of their last four matches in 2022, following a slow start in the competition.
- For Hallgrímsson, this match is significant, as he famously led Iceland to a victory over England in EURO 2016.
England’s winger Cole Palmer, who has impressed in recent appearances, is one to watch as he looks to make another impact.
Ireland Vs England Predicted Lineups
Republic of Ireland Squad:
- Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher, Mark Travers, Max O’Leary
- Defenders: Seamus Coleman, Matt Doherty, Dara O’Shea, Nathan Collins, Jake O’Brien, Andrew Omobamidele, Liam Scales, Callum O’Dowda, Robbie Brady
- Midfielders: Will Smallbone, Jayson Molumby, Alan Browne, Jason Knight, Kasey McAteer
- Attackers: Adam Idah, Evan Ferguson, Sammie Szmodics, Chiedozie Ogbene, Callum Robinson, Troy Parrott
England Squad:
- Goalkeepers: Aaron Ramsdale, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope
- Defenders: Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire, Ben White, Fikayo Tomori, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Luke Shaw, Levi Colwill
- Midfielders: Declan Rice, James Maddison, Jude Bellingham, Kalvin Phillips, Conor Gallagher
- Attackers: Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Cole Palmer