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UEFA Nations League: Ireland vs England
Kickoff Time: 2024-09-08 00:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Matthew Childs
Ireland is one of the host countries for the UEFA Euro 2028, but the team’s performance in recent competitions has been less than ideal, failing to qualify for main events. Due to these poor results, the Football Association of Ireland decided to change coaches. In July of this year, they appointed 57-year-old Icelandic coach Heimir Hallgrimsson to lead the Irish team. From the latest national team roster released by the FAI, several stars playing in the Premier League are included. In defense, there are Everton’s Jake O’Brien and Seamus Coleman, Nottingham Forest’s Andrew Omobamidele, and Wolves’ Matt Doherty. In midfield, Southampton star Will Smallbone leads the lineup, while Leicester City’s 22-year-old rising star Kasey McAteer is making his first appearance in the national team. On the forward line, in addition to Ipswich’s speedy winger Sammie Szmodics and Chiedozie Ogbene, there is Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, valued at 50 million euros. Unfortunately, due to an ankle injury, Ferguson may not be able to play, which means Ireland loses a key attacking player.
England was the runner-up in the UEFA Euro 2024 and changed coaches after the tournament, with England U21 coach Lee Carsley becoming the interim head coach. The upcoming UEFA Nations League will be an important test for Carsley, as his performance will determine whether he can become the official head coach of the England team. From the squad announced by the FA, Jack Grealish’s strong return is particularly noteworthy, as his skills are very important for the England team. Noni Madueke has received his first call-up to the national team due to his impressive performances at Chelsea, and his speed will be a significant asset for England’s wing attacks. Manchester United’s Harry Maguire has also returned to the squad; his experience and leadership are crucial for the defense. It is expected that England will continue to employ tactics of long passes, quick counterattacks, and a combination of wing and central play to break through their opponents’ defenses.
Both teams changed coaches in July and are making their debuts under new leadership. In terms of coaching ability, Lee Carsley clearly outshines his opponent. Hallgrimsson previously coached Jamaica but was dismissed after a disappointing performance in the group stage of the 2024 Copa America, where they lost all three matches and finished at the bottom of their group. Carsley, on the other hand, previously coached England U21 with an impressive win rate of 79.31%, leading the team to victory in the 2023 U21 European Championship and securing a European title that had eluded them for 39 years. The overall strength of both teams is not on the same level, and the gap in coaching ability further widens the disparity between them. Under Lee Carsley’s leadership, it is believed that England can secure an easy victory.
Ireland’s Last 5 Games: LWLDD
24-06-12 Portugal 3-0 Ireland
24-06-06 Ireland 2-1 Hungary
24-03-27 Ireland 0-1 Switzerland
24-03-24 Ireland 0-0 Belgium
23-11-22 Ireland 1-1 New Zealand
England’s Last 5 Games: LWDDD
24-07-15 Spain 2-1 England
24-07-11 Netherlands 1-2 England
24-07-06 England 1-1 Switzerland (AET 1-1 PEN 5-3)
24-06-30 England 1-1 Slovakia (AET 2-1)
24-06-26 England 0-0 Slovenia
Head To Head Record:
20-11-13 England 3-0 Ireland
15-06-07 Ireland 0-0 England
13-05-30 England 1-1 Ireland
Prediction: England to win