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 couldn’t keep the momentum up after the break. Nevertheless, 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.
Kobbie Mainoo – 7
Sat deeper than his midfield partner and linked play well. Booked early on.
Bukayo Saka – 8
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 – 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 instrumental in the build-up to Rice’s goal. Could have scored himself on a number of occasions but was denied by Caoimhin Kelleher.
Harry Kane – 6
Ought to have opened the scoring but his header from Alexander-Arnold’s cross was just too high. Helped with the build-up play but was almost anonymous in the second-half. Will hope for better when he wins his 100th cap against Finland.
Substitutes
Morgan Gibbs-White 5 – Came on for his debut in the 76th minute for Grealish and committed a foul nearly straight away. Okay otherwise.
Angel Gomes 5 – Came on for his debut in the 77th minute for Mainoo. Okay but not enough time to impact the game.
Eberechi Eze 5 – Came on in the 77th minute for Gordon. Looked lively with a pop from distance and a headed effort after Saka’s shot was saved.
Jarrod Bowen 6 – Came on in the 84th minute for Kane. Nearly scored straight away after a great run and had another golden opportunity from close range but was twice denied by Kelleher.
John Stones 5 – Came on in the 85th minute for Maguire. Calm and assured.