England have Nations League promotion in their sights as they face the Republic of Ireland in their final group game, live on talkSPORT.
The Three Lions had to beat Greece on Thursday night to keep their hopes alive and a comfortable 3-0 victory did the job.
Lee Carsley‘s side moved above the Greeks on goal difference with the result, thanks to an own goal either side of strikes from Ollie Watkins and Curtis Jones.
It leaves them just a win away from moving up to League A in the competition if they can avoid a three-goal swing.
A draw or defeat could see them still miss out though, and the Republic of Ireland are certainly going to try and spoil the party.
Ireland beat Finland 1-0 in midweek to guarantee they’ll finish third but despite this final game meaning nothing for the Boys in Green’s group position, they’ll still be up for it against their rivals.
England vs Republic of Ireland: Lee’s last
This will not only be England’s final group game of this Nations League campaign, but it’s also the last match for Carsley.
The interim manager’s spell on the Three Lions touchline comes to an end with his sixth fixture in charge.
If his side beat the Republic of Ireland, it will take his record as boss up to five wins and one loss.
Apart from a failed experiment in their first meeting with Greece, England seem to have enjoyed their time working with Carsley.
Many players have been handed their first senior caps and those like Jones have taken the opportunity in their stride.
It leaves the squad in good shape ahead of the arrival of Thomas Tuchel in March for the next international break.
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- England have won their last two matches against the Republic of Ireland, beating them 3-0 in November 2020 and 2-0 in September this year. They have never won three in a row against Eire before.
- Republic of Ireland won their first away match against England back in September 1949 at Goodison Park; since then, all seven of their games in England have been at Wembley and they’ve won none of them (D3 L4).
England vs Republic of Ireland: What has been said?
Carsley has explained why captain Harry Kane was dropped to the bench for England against Greece on Thursday.
The interim boss also revealed how Kane reacted to the news while confirming that he will start against the Republic of Ireland.
“He was absolutely fine,” said Carsley. “I think it would be fair to say he wants to play every game, like all top players do.
“But I think he understands that it’s important that other players experience that kind of experience that we had tonight.
“He’s a great example to the rest of the players. I expect him to start on Sunday and play well.
“It was brilliant for Ollie to get a goal. I think it is important that if we are going to put these players in a position where we are going to go and win the World Cup then these players need to have as many experiences as they can.
“It was no slight on Harry. He will start the next game.”
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- England have lost three of their last five games at Wembley (W1 D1), as many as they had in their previous 50 combined (W39 D8 L3). It’s only the third time the Three Lions have lost three games at the national stadium in a single year, along with 1977 and 1981, but have never lost four in one year.
- England are unbeaten in their last 41 matches in all competitions when they’ve netted the opening goal (W38 D3) since losing 2-1 to Czechia in October 2019 in a UEFA European Championship qualifier.
England vs Republic of Ireland: Predicted line-up
So, with Kane coming back, how will England line up?
Well, the skipper will be leading the line as Watkins drops back to the bench alongside Dominic Solanke.
Jude Bellingham is expected to keep his place in behind Kane while Noni Madueke should be on the right after an assist against Greece.
Anthony Gordon made less of an impact so he could be replaced by the in-form Morgan Rogers, who made his senior debut last time out.
In midfield, Jones will keep his place but his partner could change with Conor Gallagher potentially replaced by Angel Gomes.
Ezri Konsa looks to have picked up a knock and Kyle Walker stepped in to replace him during the game in midweek.
Should the Aston Villa star be ruled out of this one, then Taylor Harwood-Bellis is likely to cover at centre-back alongside Marc Guehi.
Jordan Pickford was rotated in the last international break, but with this fixture being so important, he should keep his place in goal.
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- Jude Bellingham’s 39 caps have all been while playing for non-British clubs (24 for Borussia Dortmund, 15 for Real Madrid). He is now level with Owen Hargreaves for England caps won while playing for non-British teams, with only David Beckham winning more (55).
- Curtis Jones scored on his England debut against Greece in the last UEFA Nations League match – the last player to score in his first two England caps was Rickie Lambert in 2013, while the last Liverpool player to do so was Roger Hunt in 1962/63.
England vs Republic of Ireland: talkSPORT coverage
This Nations League clash will take place on Sunday, November 17.
Kick-off at Wembley Stadium is scheduled for 5pm.
talkSPORT will have live coverage of the game presented by Adrian Durham.
Commentary will come from Jim Proudfoot, former England captain Stuart Pearce and former Republic of Ireland captain Andy Townsend.
To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
The action will be broadcast for FREE on ITV.