On Saturday evening, two new managers will take charge at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. Lee Carsley’s England will face Heimir Hallgrimsson’s Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Nations League. The two neighboring teams will compete in League B Group 2, where Finland and Greece are also aiming for promotion to the top tier of the continental competition.
To win (90 min)
Rep. Ireland 52/10
Draw 26/10
England 5/10
Rep. Ireland
The upcoming inauguration of Carsley is set to be eclipsed by another managerial debut at the Aviva Stadium, with Ireland appointing former Iceland and Jamaica coach Heimir Hallgrimsson to reignite national pride. The 57-year-old steps in as the definitive replacement for Stephen Kenny, whose tenure ended unsuccessfully, managing only 11 victories in 40 matches with the Boys in Green. After John O’Shea’s interim period, which saw Ireland triumph over Hungary and secure an impressive draw against Belgium but suffer losses to Switzerland and Portugal, Hallgrimsson was appointed following his short stint with Jamaica, where he led the Reggae Boyz through a disappointing Copa America. A member of Lars Lagerback’s coaching staff for Iceland during Euro 2016, Hallgrimsson inherits an Irish team with only two wins in their last 10 games and three recent matches without scoring. His first challenge will be a Dublin double-header, as Ireland looks to secure their first victory over England since the 1988 Euros, after six draws and a loss in a 2020 friendly.
England
Failing to inspire the senior men to emulate the success of the 2022 women’s stars and the 2023 Under-21 champions, Gareth Southgate’s memorable tenure as England manager concluded with a painful second-place finish at Euro 2024. The team’s unexpected journey to the final, marked by a performance that often seemed uninspired, ended in a missed opportunity for glory against the formidable Spanish team led by Luis de la Fuente. Southgate’s departure after nearly eight years opens the door for Lee Carsley, appointed as the interim manager while the search for a long-term replacement continues, with Pep Guardiola being a notable mention. Southgate himself began as a temporary choice before earning a full-time role, and now Carsley faces inquiries about his long-term ambitions following the announcement of his first squad. A triumphant return to the top division of the Nations League, following England’s demotion in the previous season, and a successful match against Finland at Wembley would mark an auspicious start to his tenure.
Prediction:
Previously, Ireland and England were often locked in stalemates, until the Three Lions ended this trend with a win they might repeat at the Aviva Stadium. Despite the absence of key players like Bellingham, Foden, and Palmer, England’s attack is potent enough to penetrate the Irish defense multiple times. The hosts, lacking significant offensive strength, may find it challenging to respond, setting the stage for a promising beginning to Carsley’s tenure.