Nations League Group B2 is set to witness a clash between the Republic of Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium on Saturday. The match will be broadcasted live at 5pm on RTÉ2. The Republic of Ireland’s new manager, Heimir Hallgrímsson, who has previously coached Iceland and Jamaica, has not moved to Dublin with the intention to win over peers.
He quickly set aside his affable demeanour ahead of the game against an England team managed by temporary coach, Lee Carsley. It’s known that the FAI considered Carsley as a potential replacement for Stephen Kenny before they appointed the 57-year-old Hallgrímsson, hailing from Heimaey, an Icelandic volcanic island.
Further, Hallgrímsson has rejected sharing the Irish team selection, stating that it’s not the public’s concern. He assured that the team gets familiar with the line-up the day before the match, allowing them to contemplate on the starting 11.
For his inaugural assignment, he dismissed queries regarding the squad’s game formation, stating that the team’s play and tactics would be evident once the match commenced. As for the potential starters, there were hints that suggested Adam Idah might lead the attack over less experienced Evan Ferguson. The implication was based on the exposure that the “Celtic players” had to the Champions League.
It is presumed that Liam Scales will commence on the left alongside Nathan Collins and Dara O’Shea with experienced players Robbie Brady and captain Séamus Coleman as wing-backs, forming a five-man defence against the world’s fourth-ranked team.
Recalling former Irish managers, Steve Staunton’s infamous “I’m the gaffer” tagline often comes up. However, Hallgrímsson is keen to distance himself from his earlier remark regarding the need for a “bastard” in the team. Made during a discussion with local supporters, the comment could be a subtle critique of the Irish squad’s “too nice” attitude observed by him at a gathering in Aviva Stadium.
Surprisingly, Coleman, Everton’s 35-year-old captain, didn’t entirely disagree. He counselled the young players, remarking that being excessively friendly doesn’t harm, but to rise in ranks, you require a bit of grit. According to him, it’s this exact context in which the manager’s comment was intended.
By 2026, when the World Cup is hosted by North America, Ireland would have gone through a dry spell of a decade without competing in a significant football tournament. As per Coleman, it is vital for the team to understand this – it’s not merely about collecting caps, but about taking pride in representing the country and warranting fan support. Insinuating that the fans deserved to witness their team in major tournaments, he emphasise on bringing a change in their play.
Ireland gets its chance to start afresh against England with former Irish players, Jack Grealish and Declan Rice. A match scheduled on the following Tuesday with Greece, who toppled Ireland twice in the last year’s unsuccessful Euro qualification quest, awaits them.
Hallgrímsson expressed his optimism in the prospect of a strong squad in the future. He mentioned that there are many players who, while not playing in the Champion League, showcase similar potential. He only singled out players like Caoimhín from Liverpool and some from Celtic.
Registering his wish for more players with the longevity and superior performance of Séamus, he concluded. For him, having a consistent, core group supported by other players is key. He admitted to the multiple claims for spots in the team but wishes to have a steady starting 11.
Hallgrímsson has the potential to be the crucial coach Ireland seeks, with impressive triumphs over Canada in November 2023 during his tenure as the Jamaican coach, and over England in Euro 2016 whilst at the helm of the Icelandic team.
However, regardless of past successes, the true test for any new manager is undoubtedly the intense match between Ireland and England in Dublin.
Acknowledging the magnitude of this rivalry, Hallgrímsson confessed, “Such an intense rivalry is a new experience for me. Though remember, as coaches, our job is to concentrate on the football, not the politics or other distractions. Our focus must be on the pitch. Undoubtedly, the media, marketing and security perceive the match differently.”
One must note that Kenny’s Ireland failed to clinch a significant win at the Lansdowne Road, the reverb of the 1-0 loss to Germany in October 2015 still echoes.
England, on the other hand, has tasted victory twice before in Dublin in 1946 and 1964; though, the past is irrelevant in tonight’s clash.
For Carsley’s team, this 17th face-off with their neighbours provides a golden chance to break away from the Southgate era. They can quickly retake their position amongst the international elite, a realm that Irish supporters can barely recall.
The Irish team may include players like Kelleher (Liverpool), Coleman (Everton), O’Shea (Ipswich Town), Collins (Brentford), Scales (Celtic), Brady (Prestin North End), Smallbone (Southampton), Browne (Sunderland), Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Idah (Celtic), and Ogbene (Ipswich Town).
England’s possible line-up looks like Pickford (Everton), Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Guéhi (Crystal Palace), Maguire (Manchester United), Colwill (Chelsea), Gomes (Lille), Rice (Arsenal), Mainoo (Manchester United), Saka (Arsenal), Kane (Bayern Munich), and Grealish (Manchester City).
The match will be officiated by referee José María Sánchez from Spain.