Afternoon everyone and welcome to the post-Southgate era. It was eight years ago this week that the England men’s team last went into a match without a sensitive Gareth pep-talk ringing softly in their ears. On that occasion – Slovakia 0-1 England (Lallana 90+5) – the manager was Sam Allardyce, running the show for the first and last time. This evening in Dublin it’s Lee Carsley, a far less familiar figure and a far more enlightened coach.
Like Southgate, Carsley has been installed as a caretaker while also being a candidate for the job proper. Like Southgate, he has come up through the ranks and has managed England Under-21s. Like Southgate, in fact even more so, he has brought success at the big tournaments. Unlike Southgate, whose strengths lay in changing the culture and persuading the players to enjoy representing England, Carsley is known for constructing teams that are innovative, creative and attacking. And he still managed to win the U21 Euros without conceding a goal.
It will be fascinating to see if he can get a different tune out of a highly talented squad. He has to do without Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer – three club superstars who sometimes tread on each other’s toes in internationals – but can still call upon Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Trent Alexander-Arnold, John Stones and Marc Guehi. He has added bright young things from his U21 days such as Angel Gomes, Morgan Gibbs-White, Noni Madueke, Tino Livramento and Levi Colwill. And there could well be a central role for Anthony Gordon, since Kane is the only recognised centre-forward in the squad.
Carsley’s first game with the senior team is against Ireland, the nation he played for 40 times as a defensive midfielder after qualifying through his grandmother. He never sang the Irish anthem then, or the British one when he was managing the U21s, and he is all over today’s papers saying that he is not about to change that policy. Like Allardyce, albeit for very different reasons, he is now in the crosshairs of The Daily Telegraph.
Ireland too have a new boss, Heimir Hallgrímsson. He is an Icelandic dentist, deliciously, but also an experienced manager who has run two national teams – Iceland and Jamaica. He was in joint charge of Iceland in 2016 when they pulled off their famous victory over England, which led to Roy Hodgson’s departure, which led to Allardyce’s arrival, which led to Southgate’s appointment. It’s almost as if there’s a play to be written about all this.
England Dominate From The Start
The game started with England taking control and Ireland playing a defensive strategy. England's attacking intentions were evident right from the off.
Rice and Grealish Shine in England's Dominant Display
Declan Rice got England off to a flying start with a stunning goal in the 13th minute. He was in the right place at the right time to smash the ball into the back of the net after a chaotic scramble in the Ireland penalty area. The goal was a sign of things to come, as England were simply too good for Ireland on the night.
England's second goal came in the 26th minute and was a real team effort. The move started with a long pass from Rice to Mainoo, who then played a clever one-two with Saka. The ball then fell to Grealish who finished the move with a crisp strike from 15 yards out. This was a crucial goal, giving England a two-goal lead and effectively ending the contest as a real contest.
Ireland's Struggles and England's Dominance
Ireland, by contrast, struggled to get into the game. They couldn’t create many chances, and England’s defense was resolute throughout. Although, they did have moments where they were able to get forward.
In the 44th minute, Ireland’s Ogbene put in a dangerous cross from the left but it was overhit. Moments later, Kane won a corner for England, but the half ended with England comfortably in the lead.
A New Era for England?
The match was a clear indication of the new era under Carsley. England were more attacking and played with a greater sense of urgency than they have in the past. The team was quicker and slicker with their passing and they looked a real threat going forward.
The Future is Bright for England
This was a great start for Carsley, and it’s clear that he has the players to make England a force to be reckoned with in the years to come. This was a solid performance against a tough opponent and bodes well for the future.
This new, attacking style of play that Carsley has brought to the team is a breath of fresh air. England are playing with more confidence and flair, and they look like a team that is capable of achieving great things.
The Snakes are Back
The win in Dublin was a statement of intent by Carsley and his England side, and the victory was a sign that England is well on its way back to being one of the best teams in the world. The future is bright, and Carsley’s appointment is a sign that the Football Association is serious about making England a force to be reckoned with once again.
