England begin their Nations League campaign with a trip to face the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.
Lee Carsley takes charge of England for the first time in his role as interim manager, having inherited the reins on a temporary basis after Gareth Southgate’s exit.
Carsley, who represented Ireland 40 times during his playing career, now looks to mastermind a win over The Boys in Green at the Aviva Stadium.
The 50-year-old will be without several senior stars with Jude Bellingham, Ollie Watkins, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer all absent from the squad for September’s fixtures.
Carsley has opted to include a number of names that he is familiar with from his role as u-21 manager, including Morgan Gibbs-White, Noni Madueke and Angel Gomes, each of whom featured in the Young Lions’ European Championship success in 2023. There’s also a first call up for Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento.
These boys 🤩 pic.twitter.com/BTpreqrFK5
— England (@England) September 6, 2024
England are aiming to rebuild from the disappointment of defeat in the Euro 2024 final, their second major final defeat in three tournaments. The Three Lions will face Ireland, Greece and Finland in their Nations League B Group, with the quartet all aiming for promotion to the top tier of the competition.
Ireland are also under new management after the appointment of Heimir Hallgrimsson. The 57-year-old was formerly, and famously, in charge of the Iceland team that eliminated England from Euro 2016.
England XI vs Ireland – Predicted lineup and team news
England team news
Lee Carsley has had to deal with the withdrawals of several options for September’s game, with Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Ollie Watkins all out.
In a statement, the Football Association said: “Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins and Phil Foden will play no part in England’s forthcoming Uefa Nations League fixtures.
“The Three Lions squad reported to St George’s Park on Tuesday but, following assessment, both Palmer and Watkins returned to their clubs to continue rehabilitation for ongoing issues. Foden did not report through illness and is ruled out of the matches against Republic of Ireland and Finland. No further additions are planned at this moment in time.”
Jude Bellingham is also missing after the 21-year-old midfielder was forced out of a La Liga clash with Mallorca on August 18 with a foot problem. Elsewhere, Kyle Walker was not selected after not featuring for Manchester City so far this season.
England predicted line up
Predicted England XI (4-3-3): Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Guehi, Lewis; Rice, Mainoo, Gibbs-White; Saka, Grealish, Kane.
When do England play Ireland?
England face Ireland on Saturday, September 7th. Kick-off is at 17:00 (BST).
What TV channel is Ireland vs England on?
The Nations League game will be shown on ITV1.
