Gavin Cummiskey has published a pre-match review focusing on the newly appointed Republic of Ireland’s manager, Heimir Hallgrímsson. A win in his first assignment could see him become an Irish favourite, despite him clearly stating that he didn’t move to Dublin for social reasons.
The Lee Carsley story is further developed by Mary Hannigan in her recent piece, as she reveals the controversy surrounding his refusal to sing the national anthem. As he takes on the role of England’s temporary manager, the English press is losing its cool over his decision, leading some, like Jeff Powell of the Daily Mail, to call for his immediate dismissal.
As we prepare for the kick-off at the Nations League match between Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium, the stakes run high. After a nine-year hiatus, this is the first confrontation between the two teams on Irish turf. The main storyline is the controversy surrounding new managers Heimir Hallgrímsson and Lee Carsley, which has overshadowed what is typically the main event – the game itself.
Carsley, who represented Ireland 40 times in the past, has been in the limelight for his indecisiveness regarding singing the national anthem. Such attention will probably be welcomed by Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, especially Rice, the Arsenal midfielder who switched his alliance to England after playing three matches for Ireland.
This game at Aviva will be his first on Irish soil since his switch. It will be intriguing to see the kind of reception he receives. The match is also the first game for Ireland in the 2024/25 Nations League B, with Finland and Greece being the other participants.
Once the line-ups are ready, they’ll be shared here.