England’s last XI vs Republic of Ireland shows how much has changed for Lee Carsley

England will begin a new era under Lee Carsley when they take on Republic of Ireland after Gareth Southgate’s exit but there’s been drastic change since they last played Saturday’s opposition

Four years is a long time in football.

Even four months can spring surprises as England move on from Gareth Southgate’s tenure under interim-manager Lee Carsley. The former Everton midfielder has been unafraid to offer first time call-ups to the likes of Noni Madueke, Angel Gomes, Morgan Gibbs-White and Tino Livramento, while an experienced head such as Kyle Walker misses out on his squad.

The difference is even more stark when looking back to the last time the Three Lions faced Saturday’s opponents, the Republic of Ireland. There were no fans at Wembley when England welcomed them for a friendly match that saw Southgate’s side run out 3-0 winners.

There were familiar names among the starting XI of course, though Bukayo Saka was the only player to start in that game and the Euro 2024 final versus Spain. It was not a full strength team on show but the side still shows signs of an earlier time.

Key figures such as Jordan Pickford, Declan Rice and Harry Kane were on the bench that evening and have retained their importance, while a certain 17-year-old made his debut. Jude Bellingham’s rise has been stark in the period since.

Interestingly, players recalled by Carsley were involved on the occasion. Nick Pope started in goal, while Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish were also among the starting XI.

Southgate selected a back three of Michael Keane, Maguire and Tyrone Mings. Reece James played as wingback on the right and injuries have seen his England involvment severely limited since. The Chelsea captain earned a place at Euro 2020 but has not featured in any of England’s last two major tournaments.

The base of England’s midfield comprised of Harry Winks and Mason Mount. Both would have hoped to still have a role with the Three Lions.

Ahead of them were Grealish, Jadon Sancho, who will be desperate for an England return after signing for Chelsea, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The latter two players scored on the night to help England to victory.

The second half of the match saw the introduction of Dean Henderson in goal, while Phil Foden and Bellingham were introduced. Tammy Abraham and Ainsley Maitland-Niles also came on to earn one of their 11 and five caps respectively.

Only nine players on show at Wembley that night have made the trip to Dublin ahead of Saturday. All three goalkeepers in Henderson, Pickford and Pope, Maguire in defence, Foden and Rice are maintained from midfield while Grealish, Saka and Kane make the cut from the forwards

England starting XI vs Republic of Ireland 2020: Nick Pope, Michael Keane, Harry Maguire (captain), Tyrone Mings, Reece James, Bukayo Saka, Mason Mount, Harry Winks, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jack Grealish, Jadon Sancho.

Substitutes: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, Ben Chilwell, Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Tammy Abraham, Harry Kane.

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