Goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish did the business as Lee Carsley’s tenure as England’s interim boss got off to a winning start.
The Three Lions were the dominant side as they ran out 2-0 winners over Ireland in Dublin.
Rice and Grealish, who both represented Ireland before switching their international allegiances to England, got on the scoresheet in the first half.
Ireland were unable to capitalise on the few chances they had, with Three Lions gloveman Jordan Pickford rarely called into action.
Here, Mail Sport’s CRAIG HOPE rates the performance of every England and Ireland player.
England midfielder Declan Rice was one of the standouts for the visitors against Ireland
Interim boss Lee Carsley enjoyed a winning start in his first game in charge of the Three Lions
Jack Grealish delivered an impressive response after being axed from the Euro 2024 squad
ENGLAND
Jordan Pickford 6.5
Made the one save he had to from Szmodics but was a spectator that apart. Kicking was sound and cleaned up when he had to from balls in behind.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 6.5
Had plenty of space to impact and used it to spring attacks from deep, most notably when sending Gordon clear before opening goal. Incredibly, this was his first start at right back for England in four years. He should stay there, even if distribution became very sloppy second half.
Marc Guehi 6.5
Hardly troubled but did what he had to with minimum fuss, including one testing ball that bounced awkwardly in area. He took that on chest and played out from back. That composure is what he brings, but there’ll be tougher tests than this, evidenced by sticky display in Euros final versus Spain.
Harry Maguire 7
He just looks like an England player. Maybe Southgate should have gambled and took him to Euros after all. Did not put a foot – or head – wrong here. Plays with authority in a Three Lions jersey, even if opposition was poor.
Levi Colwill 6.5
Is he the answer at left back, England’s problem position? Hard to tell on this evidence against a very limited Ireland, but he did deal with pace of Ogbene after nervy start. One timely clearance from goalmouth after reading dangerous cross from right, and definitely worth another outing.
Declan Rice 8.5
Passed forwards and did so quickly and accurately, unlike at Euros. This was so much better, and he had the drive to support once starting those offensives. No finer example than his goal, when arriving late to steer superbly into top corner. A wonderful performance, including brilliant assist for Grealish after penalty-box burst. MOM, by a distance.
Declan Rice was a standout for England with a goal and a dominant display in the midfield
Kobbie Mainoo 7
A nervy start and a couple of misplaced passes, one leading to his booking for a recovery foul. But grew into the game and played key role in second goal with smart one-two. Fluid, bright and energetic, this is what his partnership with Rice should look like.
Bukayo Saka 6.5
Quietest of the attacking midfielders first half, as much because England were getting so much joy down the left with Gordon. Came into it more second half and was denied late goal by flying Kelleher save. Good, without being spectacular.
Jack Grealish 7.5
Played with more freedom than we see at City and, because of that, he played with a smile. He was involved in all the little one-twos in final third and took his goal superbly because of that confidence. Take note, Pep, remove the straitjacket. No.10 role suited him, as opposed to boring, ball-carrying, free-kick-winning wideman for his club.
Anthony Gordon 7.5
This is what England missed in Germany. He’ll be disappointed he didn’t score when sent clear before Rice goal, but his pace to run in behind is what the team needed so badly in summer. He offers unpredictability. It was obvious then, and this confirmed it. A penny for Southgate’s thoughts. Should stay in team.
Harry Kane 5
It felt at times as if the Euro 2024 version of the captain was being reloaded. He missed an early header when unmarked – he did not even hit the target – and twice had shots blocked inside area. There were some nice involvements, but this was still way short of his best. Needs to be better, because calls for him to be replaced will grow louder.
Harry Kane struggled to make much of an impact up front for England against Ireland
Substitutes
Morgan Gibbs-White (on for Grealish 77) 6
Superb pass with outside of boot to put Saka clear late on. Looked hungry on debut.
Angel Gomes (on for Mainoo 77) 5.5
Buzzed around midfield and completed a couple of routine passes.
Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon 77) 5.5
Didn’t do a great deal, barring one shot that flew wide.
Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane 85) 6
Immediately threatened and was unlucky not to score after purposeful run. Always looks lively for England.
John Stones (on for Maguire 85) 5.5
Only time for a couple of tidy balls into midfield.
Manager – Lee Carsley 7.5
Crucially, he got the selection of the attacking three behind Kane spot on, and Gordon and Grealish caused all sorts of problems first half. This was the dynamism missing from England’s offensive unit at the Euros. He should be happy with an uncomplicated first match (unlike his pre-match).
Interim boss Lee Carsley had England playing some scintillating football at various points
IRELAND (5-2-3)
Kelleher 6.5; Doherty 5 (Knight 58, 5.5), Coleman 5 (O’Brien 58, 5), Collins 6, O’Shea 6.5, Brady 5; Molumby 5, Smallbone 5.5 (Browne 75); Ogbene 5.5, Idah 5 (McAteer 75), Szmodics 5.5
Manager: Heimir Hallgrimsson 5
REFEREE
Jose Maria Sanchez (Spa) 7
Ireland defender Nathaniel Collins reacts after Jack Grealish scored England’s second goal