Grealish and Rice fire Carsley's England past Ireland

The Three Lions, even with their large list of absentees (Bellingham, Foden, Palmer, etc.), showed more in one match than during the entire European Championship in Germany, with an exciting, forward-looking game.
It looks like a perfect start for Carsley, the former England U21s coach promoted after the departure of Southgate, the boss for the last eight years (2016-2024).
Against Ireland, the interim coach with a modest CV offered a glimpse of the ‘Carsball’ that he put in place during the 2023 Euro-Espoirs, a style of football made up of redoubled passes, rapid transitions and technical skills that are pleasing to the eye.
The first half was particularly successful despite the hostility of the Irish crowd, who were quick to whistle ‘God Save The King’ and, even more so, two of their former internationals who had played for the enemy: Jack Grealish and Declan Rice.
The Manchester City striker wore the green jersey as a youth player, as did the Arsenal defensive midfielder, who won three caps for the senior team in friendlies before he turned 20. ‘The snakes are back’, shouted some supporters on a poster displayed in the stands.
The booing didn't faze the two men: Rice opened the scoring in front of the English crowd, without celebrating (11th, 1-0), and then served Grealish who doubled the lead (26th, 2-0), with shouts of joy to boot.

The two goals were the culmination of some fine attacking moves, particularly the first, which began with a superb through ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold to Anthony Gordon.
Carsley played 'TAA' at right-back instead of in midfield, as Southgate had done at the Euros, and gave a start to the Newcastle winger, who had been frustrated by his reduced playing time in Germany. Two winning choices.
In the second half, he also handed a first cap to Lille midfielder Angel Gomes and Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, two players with whom he won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
However, the 50-year-old has benefited from less adversity and pressure on his debut than Southgate experienced at the Euros.
Two years ago, England were relegated to the second tier of the Nations League after a disastrous campaign. The Birmingham-born manager's aim is to get his star-studded squad back among Europe's elite, as a first step. His mission will continue on Tuesday against Finland at Wembley.