England embarks on a new chapter this Saturday in Dublin, marking the first time in nearly eight years that Gareth Southgate and his trademark waistcoat will be absent from the sidelines.
What TV Channel is the game on?
To watch the UEFA Nations League match between the Republic of Ireland and England online in the United Kingdom (UK), you can tune into ITV1 for live coverage. Additionally, the match will be available to stream live through ITVX and STV, as well as on the STV Player. These platforms provide a convenient way to watch the game live, whether on television or via online streaming.
As the Football Association seeks a permanent successor for Southgate, interim manager Lee Carsley steps up, fresh from guiding the under-21s to European championship success.
I’m excited about Carsley’s potential impact, particularly given his more adventurous coaching style compared to Southgate’s conservative tactics, which I believe restrained a talented attack and contributed to England narrowly missing out on a major trophy since 1966 and suffering consecutive losses in European Championship finals.
Carsley, another product of the FA system, has already made bold squad choices, leaving out established players like Kyle Walker and promoting four players from his successful under-21 squad. His debut as manager on Irish soil, where he once played, adds an intriguing element to the match against a beatable Nations League group that also includes Finland and Greece. England is heavily favored to win the group and secure a promotion back to Group A.
The irony is palpable with Ireland’s appointment of former dentist Heimir Hallgrimsson as their manager, given the team’s recent lackluster performance, which has been as painful as a tooth extraction for fans. With only two wins in their last ten matches and a struggle to score, expectations are low for the Irish side.
Historically, England has maintained dominance over Ireland, with no losses since a 1988 upset by Ray Houghton. Lagerback’s first squad lacks Premier League regulars, placing much pressure on Brighton striker Evan Ferguson to dispel concerns over his fitness.
Predicting Carsley’s first lineup is challenging with Ollie Watkins injured and Ivan Toney absent after his transfer to Saudi Arabia, but captain Harry Kane is likely to start, aiming to rebound from a disappointing Euro 2024.
