The line-up for the Belgium team to take on Ireland includes Sels, Castagne, Faes, De Winter, Deman, Tielemans, Vermeeren, Vranckx, Bakayoko, Openda, Trossard. Although Jérémy Doku won’t be a part of the starting team, the terrifying frontline is boosted by PSV Eindhoven’s wing player, Bakayoko. Furthermore, Aston Villa’s Tielemans has been chose as the team’s captain.
The Irish team includes Kelleher, Coleman, O’Shea, Omobamidele, Collins, Brady, Cullen, Smallbone, Szmodics, Ogbene, Ferguson. Surprisingly, Championship’s top performer Mikey Johnston isn’t part of the team and a 3-5-2 formation seems likely. According to Ken Early, John O’Shea is prepared to step in and fill the persistent void.
Journalist Gavin Cummiskey suggests Irish fundamentals will be essential in countering Belgium’s renowned skillset. Despite Ireland’s 62nd place in the FIFA rankings against Belgium’s 4th, the team boasts up to nine Premier League players. He cites this as a significant progress, as the last time an entirely Premier League-based Irish team was fielded ended in an unfortunate loss against Germany, 18 years ago.
The potential line-up may feature Liverpool’s goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher over Gavin Bazunu, while veteran defenders Séamus Coleman and Matt Doherty might brush off their Everton and Wolverhampton fatigue. Coleman, specifically, is slated to captain his country for the 27th time, following his successful recovery from a knee injury.
Bon soir and join us for the live broadcast of the friendly match between Ireland and Belgium, hosted at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, commencing at 5pm. This marks the initial match supervised by John O’Shea as interim manager, set against Belgium, who are currently ranked fourth globally. Although Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku won’t be participating, Belgium still promises a formidable lineup with players such as Jérémy Doku, Leandro Trossard, and Lois Openda. With Liam Scales and Troy Parrott sidelined due to injuries, the Irish squad has Lyon’s defensive player Jake O’Brien, Blackburn Rovers’ Sammie Szmodics, and midfielder Finn Azaz poised to make their debuts. Additionally, Ryan Manning has been included last-minute in the squad with player line-ups to be announced when available.
Ireland’s team includes
Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (plays for Southampton), Caoimhin Kelleher (belongs to Liverpool) and Mark Travers (affiliated with AFC Bournemouth).
Defenders: including Seamus Coleman (from Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Dara O’Shea (Burnley), Jake O’Brien (Lyon), Robbie Brady (Preston North End), Festy Ebosele (Udinese) and Ryan Manning (Southampton).
Midfielder’s roster comprises Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen), Callum O’Dowda (Cardiff City), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough) and Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion).
The forwards’ lineup features Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Adam Idah (Celtic), Michael Obafemi (Millwall, on loan from Burnley), Sammie Szmodics (Blackburn Rovers) and Chiedozie Ogbene (Luton Town).