England v Republic of Ireland: Carsley’s Farewell at Wembley

The Three Lions will face Republic of Ireland in the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League as they chase promotion back to League A.

England sit second in Group B, 2. Having taken 9 points from their opening 4 games. Their only loss coming during a 2-1 defeat against Greece, falling short to a Vangelis Pavlidis 90+4-minute winner. In which they dedicated to the late George Baldock.

England will play against the dominant Greece in Athens tonight, the result will decide whether England top the group or finish second. A second-placed finish will result in Three Lions entering a two-legged play off against a third-placed team from League A, which will take place in March 2025. Greece is comfortable knowing avoiding a defeat today and a win against Finland will see them safe from the bouts of potential playoffs in future.

Amongst the chaos, it is still possible for England to be relegated. They have done enough to miss the automatic, but they potentially could be involved in a relegation play-off against third-placed teams in League B and second-placed teams in League C. This unlikely scenario will only take place in the case of two defeats and a demise of their large goal-difference.

The fixture on 17^th against Ireland will be the last for the 40-capped, Irish international Lee Carsley. As Thomas Tuchel is set to begin his new tenure as the new England manager on January 1, 2025. It is ever likely that the first game for Tuchel will be the two-legged promotion play-off for a place in League A.

The Three lions are currently suffering from selection issues with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Levi Colwill, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer, Aaron Ramsdale, Declan Rice, and Bukayo Saka all being unavailable. Despite this, Carsley will not be distressed, he was quoted by The Athletic saying “The plus side is that it gives us chance to bring in other players and give them opportunities, so we are still in a good place.”

Thanks to his time with the England U21’s. He has previously relied on his former players promoting the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White, Noni Madueke, Angel Gomes all previously making their debuts under him.

The latest call-up included Morgan Rodgers, Taylor Harwood- Bellis, James Trafford, Jarell Quansah, Lewis Hall, and Tino Livarmento, each of whom is hoping to make their debut for the Three Lions in the final two international fixtures of 2024.

Lee Carsley will hope to leave the Three Lions in a positive place for the incoming German manager, before returning to his U21’s role.

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If you want to take your place to watch Carsley’s final match, the full details are available at www.vipfootballhospitality.com or you can give us a call on 01454 201210 and we’ll find the best option for you and your group.