Ireland – England: Carsley Passes His First Audition (0-2)

England showed some nice attacking dynamics under Lee Carsley, with rotations on both wings integral to their play. A new role for Declan Rice proved fruitful, as he was able to use his newfound attacking freedom to score the first goal and assist the second as England cruised to victory in Dublin.

Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

Lee Carsley’s first match as England’s caretaker manager saw him face off against the nation he represented as a player, as England met Ireland in Dublin. Carsley named a squad with some fresh faces, as the likes of Angel Gomes and Morgan Gibbs-White earned call-ups to the senior team after working with Carsley at U21 level.

Ireland were also starting their first game under a new coach, as Heimir Hallgrímsson took to the dugout for the first time. The home side lined up in a 3-4-3 shape, with a back three of  Séamus Coleman, Nathan Collins, and Dara O’Shea. Matt Doherty and Robbie Brady were the wing-backs, while Jayson Molumby and Will Smallbone paired in central midfield. The front three comprised of Chiedozie Ogbene, Adam Idah, and Sammie Szmodics.

England started in a 4-2-3-1 shape, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Marc Guéhi, Harry Maguire, and Levi Colwill in the back four. Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo continued their central midfield partnership, while Jack Grealish was given a start in the number ten role. Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, and Anthony Gordon then completed the forward line.

Dynamic England attack

During

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