England start Lee Carsley era with dominant 2-0 win over Ireland

England began Lee Carsley’s tenure as manager with a solid 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland in their Nations League opener.

First-half goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish secured all three points for The Three Lions in the League B Group 2 clash.

Job done in Dublin.

The perfect start to our #NationsLeague campaign in Lee Carsley’s first game as interim head coach 💪 pic.twitter.com/eklMp8SsVJ

— England (@England) September 7, 2024

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Ireland, under new manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, had the first real chance at the Aviva Stadium when Jayson Molumby missed a free header from close range.

England responded quickly, with Harry Kane heading over before they broke the deadlock in the 12th minute. After Caoimhin Kelleher saved Anthony Gordon’s attempt, the ball fell to Rice, who fired a stunning first-time shot into the top corner.

Kane nearly doubled England’s lead before a slick one-touch passing move in the 26th minute allowed Rice to set up Grealish, who calmly slotted past a helpless Kelleher to make it 2-0.

Ireland tried to respond, with Sammie Szmodics narrowly missing Jordan Pickford’s left post just before the hour mark. However, it was England who continued to press, with Kelleher making crucial saves to deny Jarrod Bowen and Bukayo Saka in a quieter second half.

Despite some late pressure from Ireland, England held firm to begin the Carsley era with a comfortable win, showcasing a clinical first-half performance that set the tone for the match.