DUBLIN, SEPT 8 – After losing in the recent European Championships, England started a new era by beating Ireland 2-0 in Dublin yesterday.
Some 55 days since defeat to Spain in the Euro final, England begin the UEFA Nations League under a new regime following the departure of Gareth Southgate. Interim manager Lee Carsley made an impressive start at the Aviva Stadium after first-half goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish.
The identity of the two goalscorers is particularly painful for Irish fans who mocked Rice and Grealish for their decision to switch to England after representing Ireland.
Furthermore, coach Carsley who has been promoted from coaching the European champions, England under-21 has also represented Ireland as a player.
“We have shown that we have real talent. We are also satisfied with the clean record,” he said.
Rice, who made three appearances for Ireland, put England ahead in the 11th minute. Grealish, who represented Ireland at youth level up to the U21s, doubled England’s lead at the end of the game with a perfect passing move.
Earlier, Grealish was a surprise omission from Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.
“There is no better feeling than playing for England, especially in a game like this,” said the winger. “Honestly, it was probably one of the worst summers of my life because you don’t forget the defeat that happened in front of you.”
New Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson will be hoping to upset England once again after he was manager with Iceland who beat Three Lions that was at Euro 2016. But even if England failed to dominate the game in the first half, it was still a routine win for Carsley’s first game.
England are currently behind leaders Greece on goal difference in Group B2. Greece beat Finland 3-0 with two goals from Fotis Ioannidis. – AP
