Lee Carsley began his tenure as Englands interim manager with a UEFA Nations League victory over the Republic of Ireland, as former Irish players Declan Rice and Jack Grealish both found the net against their former team.
Carsley, who also played for the Republic of Ireland during his career, is overseeing England for at least two matches following Gareth Southgates resignation after Euro 2024.
In a lively atmosphere at a packed stadium in Dublin, the Three Lions were rarely troubled. Rice, who played three friendlies for Ireland before switching to England in 2019, opened the scoring in the 11th minute, netting a rebound from Harry Kanes blocked shot. Despite boos from the home crowd, Rice chose not to celebrate.
Grealish, who played for Ireland at youth level, added Englands second goal in the 26th minute after a well-executed move, with Rice providing the assist. Grealish, returning to the squad after being left out of Southgates Euro 2024 side, celebrated by putting his fingers in his ears in response to the crowd.
The Republic of Ireland, under new manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, started brightly and had an early opportunity when Jayson Molumby headed over the bar in the third minute. Sammie Szmodics later forced a save from England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, but England soon took control of the match.
