Heimir Hallgrímsson’s first game as Ireland manager didn’t go to plan as England came to the Aviva and dominated from start to finish.
Expectations were low ahead of the clash with the world’s fourth-best team and a 2-0 defeat to Lee Carsleys English team is far from a disgrace in the Icelandic manager’s first game in charge.
The manner of Saturday evening’s defeat may come as a reality check to Hallgrímsson as he begins to understand the task on his hands to ultimately get Ireland competing at major tournaments again.
READ HERE: The English Media Were Less Than Positive About Ireland’s Display In England Loss
The Ireland XI we want to see for Aviva clash v Greece
Tuesday nights clash with Ivan Jovanovic’s Greek side coming off the back of their 3-0 victory against Finland is crucial. We’ve picked the Ireland starting XI we would like to see Hallgrímsson pick ahead of the clash. Robbie Brady and Matt Doherty are two players who move to the bench, with Seamus Coleman missing out through injury.
Playing a back five against England proved disastrous and we’d like to see that formation binned for Tuesday night. (Hat-tip to Michael Hennessy who picked a team on Twitter very close to the one we’d been thinking of.)
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK: Caoimhín Kelleher
Our best performer against the English. He was crucial in keeping the scoreline down and made some terrific saves when called upon. He could not have done anything more for either of England’s first half goals.
He is a guaranteed starter at the moment with Gavin Bazunu out injured.
LB: Liam Scales
The Celtic defender has started the season in Scotland in flying form. Despite being an unused sub against England, we feel he deserves a shot against Greece, replacing Preston man Robbie Brady who looked off the pace at times up against Bukayo Saka.
RCB: Nathan Collins
Along with Kelleher, Collins is a shoe-in to take his spot in defence, and likely captain in Coleman’s absence. The most solid of Ireland’s defenders, he had a tough task keeping Harry Kane quiet throughout Saturday’s clash but can be proud of the job he done.
He is key in how Ireland defend and the Brentford man’s distribution from the back has hugely improved too.
His selection is a no-brainer.
LCB: Jake O’Brien
O’Brien started on the bench on Saturday but his grit will be needed as Ireland look to stabilise the back four.
RB: Dara O’Shea
7 September 2024; Dara O’Shea of Republic of Ireland during the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 match between Republic of Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
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A solid selection that goes about his business quietly without grabbing the headlines. The new Ipswich man’s pace is key in how we defend and for a balanced back five, she is the best fit on the left hand side of central defence.
A change to 4 at the back is also needed as it was evident 5 will not work in the long-term.
CDM: Jayson Molumby
7 September 2024; Jayson Molumby of Republic of Ireland during the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 match between Republic of Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
The West Brom midfielder is never shy in getting stuck in and his energy and tough tackling will be crucial in front of our back four. He also has a knack of arriving late into the box and was on the end of Irelands best chance early on against England but headed over from close range.
CDM: Jason Knight
Another player who will give his all and get stuck into tackles when asked to do so. Knight isn’t the most defensively minded player but alongside Molumby they can strike a good balance in keeping the Greeks out.
CM: Will Smallbone
Struggled to effect proceedings against England and had a tough time as Declan Rice, Kobiee Mainoo, Jack Grealish etc were in the mood but Smallbone has performed well recently for the Boys in Green.
He has shown his composure at times and the Southampton midfielder has become a regular starter for Ireland.
The three man midfield is a nod to the Kenny era and will at least tighten up the midfield.
LW: Chiedozie Ogbene
7 September 2024; Chiedozie Ogbene of Republic of Ireland during the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 match between Republic of Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
Named man of the match against England and was dangerous when getting space to run at Levi Colwill. Ogbene has so often been the driving force for Ireland’s attacks and if not making chances for himself he is always unselfishly setting up his teammates.
RW: Sammie Szmodics
7 September 2024; Sammie Szmodics of Republic of Ireland in action against Marc Guéhi of England during the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 match between Republic of Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile
A real bright spark in recent months, Szmodics has recently got his big money Premier League move to new boys Ipswich Town, having scored 27 goals for Blackburn last season, the 28 year-old provides a significant goal threat and will be a crucial player going forward for Hallgrímsson.
CF: Evan Ferguson
With question marks lingering about the Brighton man’s fitness, Ferguson made his first appearance in five months, playing the final 8 minutes of the game..
Having not played since March, the young man may be lacking match fitness but we feel his attacking threat will be crucial in Tuesday nights big game and Hallgrímsson will risk him.
Whichever lineup Heimir Hallgrimsson does go for there will have to be a huge improvement in the performance shown against our neighbours.
Ireland v Greece takes place at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday September 10th. Kick-off is at 7:45pm, with the game live on RTÉ 2. Tickets are still available via Ticketmaster