Here’s our England Vs Ireland preview, prediction, team news and confirmed lineup ahead of Sunday’s Nations League clash at Wembley.
England Vs Ireland Preview
Lee Carsley’s England side were ruthless in their 3-0 demolition of Greece on Thursday. Ollie Watkins opened the scoring after just seven minutes before Curtis Jones’ spectacular flick sealed it following an own goal from Odysseas Vlachodimos.
The win keeps England’s hopes of automatic promotion back to Nations League A alive, but they could face a playoff if they fail to beat Ireland.
Sunday’s game will be interim boss Carsley’s final time in the dugout before dropping back down the under-21 side, with Thomas Tuchel taking over.
Meanwhile, Ireland have nothing but pride to play for on Sunday, though motivation shouldn’t be a problem considering their opponents.
Thursday’s 1-0 win over Finland confirmed third place in the group for Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side. Regardless of the result at Wembley, they will need to win a relegation playoff with a group runner-up from League C to maintain their status in League B.
Former Ireland internationals Declan Rice and Jack Grealish sunk the Boys in Green at the Aviva Stadium in September.
That loss made it eight without a win for the Irish against England, stretching back to their shock win at Euro 1988.
But with both Rice and Grealish withdrawing from the England squad, neither will be coming back to haunt the visitors again this weekend.
England Vs Ireland Team News
Three Lions captain Harry Kane was rested for the win over Greece after picking up a minor knock, but has been declared fit to start on Sunday.
With defender Ezri Konsa coming off injured on Thursday, Kyle Walker has been moved into centre back and Tino Livramento comes in at right back.
Nine players withdrew from Lee Carsley’s final squad, but Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon have kept their place on England’s flanks.
For the Irish, midfielder Jason Knight is suspended after picking up a second yellow card of the group stage against Finland.
Watford winger Festy Ebosele limped off during his debut in midweek, but is back in the side after passing a late fitness test.
Up front, Sammie Szmodics will play alongside Brighton’s Evan Ferguson.
England Vs Ireland Confirmed Lineups
England Lineup:
Pickford; Livramento, Guehi, Walker, Hall; Gallagher, Jones; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane
Ireland Lineup:
Kelleher; O’Shea, Collins, Scales, McGuinness, O’Dowda; Ebosele, Cullen, Molumby; Szmodics, Ferguson
England Vs Ireland Prediction
A rotated England side silenced the doubters against Greece, and will be playing with freedom on Sunday.
If the hosts perform to their maximum ability, they should comfortably beat the Irish at home.
And while no Ireland team will take a backwards step against the English at Wembley, Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side have nothing to play for and may not reach top gear.
We hope there will be goals in this one, but expect England to do the job on home turf.
Prediction: England 3-1 Ireland
