2024-25 UEFA Nations League: League B – Ireland vs England

Republic of Ireland host England at Aviva Stadium in League B of 2024-25 UEFA Nations League. 

Victory would see Ireland or England go top of Group B2 before Greece meet Finland in the late kick-off.

 

Team News

Ireland manager, Heimir Hallgrimsson has no injury issues with midfielder, Kasey McAteer set for a potential debut following his maiden senior call-up.

England will be without Phil Foden after the Manchester City forward withdrew due to illness.

Cole Palmer (groin) and Ollie Watkins (unspecified) also withdrew with no replacements called up, meaning that Angel Gomes, Tino Livramento, Noni Madueke and Morgan Gibbs-White are in contention for their senior debuts.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Ireland host England at Aviva Stadium, Dublin, on Saturday 7 September at 5pm BST, live on ITV1 in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Ireland’s first Nations League meeting against England.
• England are unbeaten away to Ireland in all competitions (W2, D5).
• Each of Ireland’s last two home games against England finished goalless.
• Ireland have scored in just one of four matches in 2024 (W1, D1, L2), which came in a 2-1 friendly win over Hungary in June.
• Only one of England’s last five permanent managers suffered defeat in their first away match in all competitions (W3, D1, L1) – Fabio Capello in a 1-0 loss to France in March 2008.

 

Prediction

With this game marking Ireland’s first match under Hallgrimsson, it is difficult to know what to expect from the team other than a solid defensive but high-energy attack but this opener is as tough as they come.

Although this competition isn’t popular amongst England fans, Lee Carsley’s Three Lions know that promotion is theirs to lose but this is an immediate chance to kick-start a new era following Gareth Southgate’s exit after Euro 2024 Final heartbreak.

Carsley though will need to quickly adapt his technical possession-into-attack style to the rigors of senior international football, but England should really have enough to win this if they turn up and deliver a proper attacking performance.

Prediction: ROI 0-2 England

Result: ROI 0-2 England