It’s England v Ireland at Wembley on Sunday (5pm kick-off) in their final Nations League fixture knowing that victory will see them return to the top tier of the competition.
England v Ireland: Rivalries Renewed
The Three Lions finished bottom of a Nations League group containing Italy, Hungary and Germany in 2022–23 and, as a result, were demoted from League A to League B. However, Thursday evening’s convincing 3-0 victory against Greece in Athens saw them return to the summit of their section and beating the Republic of Ireland would see them making an immediate return.
There is less at stake for the Boys in Green, who can’t catch England or Greece and are already assured of third spot following their 1-0 victory over Finland on Thursday. There is pride at stake, though, and Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side will want to avenge September’s 2-0 defeat to England at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
England v Ireland: Three Lions to Roar
Despite a raft of high-profile withdrawals from the squad, England put in their best performance of the Nations League so far to record a convincing 3-0 victory in Greece on Thursday. The players that were drafted in as replacements grasped the opportunity with both hands as strikes from Ollie Watkins and Curtis Jones, either side of an own goal from Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, put England back in the driving seat of Group B2.
Winning at any cost is all that will matter to stand-in manager Lee Carsley and that, combined with Ireland’s defensive robustness, means it may be hard-fought rather than emphatic. The visitors will aim to make life tough for England and frustrate them, potentially making a bet on the Three Lions to win 1-0 or 2-0 the value play.
England have been buoyed by clean sheets in three of their last five internationals, which includes a 2-0 victory over Ireland in Dublin in September, and they are likely to stand firm. The Boys in Green lack the firepower to live with England – they have failed to score in six of their last nine matches – but they will be set up to make things tough for their much classier opponents.
England v Ireland: Patience Needed
It took England only 11 minutes to take the lead in their 2-0 win over Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in September, but they may have to be more patient at Wembley. The Three Lions’ opening two home matches in the Nations League against Finland and Greece were both goalless at the break before they sparked into life and this showdown with Ireland may follow a similar narrative.
In three of Ireland’s last four Nations League fixtures the opening goal was scored after the 45th minute and, with eight of their last 11 internationals going under 2.5 goals, this is unlikely to be a free-scoring classic.
England v Ireland: King Kane
Having been introduced from the bench in Thursday’s victory over Greece, Harry Kane is likely to get the nod at the expense of Ollie Watkins in this must-win encounter with the Boys in Green.
Kane has netted 11 times in 10 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern Munich this season, while chipping in with five more from four Champions League starts, and he should find the challenge of Ireland’s defence much easier than he is accustomed to. The England skipper can lead by example and set England on their way to victory.
England v Ireland Best Bets:
England to win & under 2.5 goals @ 2.40 with kwiff
First half result – draw @ 2.37 with kwiff
Harry Kane to score first @ 3.20 with kwiff
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