Ireland predicted XI vs England ahead of Nations League clash | OneFootball

The Republic of ireland face the old enemy when they travel to Wembley for their final Uefa Nations League game of the campaign against England on Saturday.

It’s been a mixed group stage for the Boys In Green under new manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, who has overseen defeats to England and Greece.

But the former Iceland boss has ensured Ireland will avoid automatic relegation to League C thanks to two wins over Finland in Group B2. They will go into the relegation play-offs in March.

Their immediate sights are set on England, who rebounded from defeat to Greece last month with wins over Finland and in the reverse fixture against the Greeks in Athens.

Read – Five current England players who could’ve lined out for Ireland

Having not beaten Ireland between 1986 and 2020, the Three Lions have won both of their most recent encounters with relative ease and will be heavy favourite to make it three in a row.

Picking a side capable of potentially springing a surprise on England will be no easy feat for Hallgrimsson. His side pressed high in a 4-4-2 formation when they beat Finland in Dublin, but they rode their luck.

The Finns exposed Ireland on the break several times, hit the woodwork twice and missed a penalty, but fell to an Evan Ferguson header in the second half.

Ireland will need to be more compact at the back to keep England’s attack quiet, although they won’t have to deal with the two goal scorers from their clash in September; Declan Rice and Jack Grealish both withdrew from Lee Carsley’s squad.

Hallgrimsson is likely to send out his team in the same formation again, but will be forced into at least one change. Jason Knight has flown home after picking up his second booking in the Nations League, meaning he’s suspended for this game. Conor Coventry takes his place in the squad.

Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher was outstanding against Finland and will take his place between the sticks yet again. The backline in front line is expected to remain unchanged.

Jayson Molumby should come in for Knight in midfield to play alongside Josh Cullen, although Kasey is also a candidate. Expect Fest Ebosele and Mikey Johnston, who was very lively on Thursday, to retain their place on the wings.

Sammie Szmodics and Evan Ferguson are beginning to develop a good understanding up front, so it’s unlikely the manager will deviate from that front two.

Ireland predicted XI vs England:

4-4-2: Caoimhín Kelleher; Matt Doherty, Nathan Collins, Liam Scales, Callum O’Dowda; Festy Ebosele, Josh Cullen, Jayson Molumby, Mikey Johnston; Sammie Szmodics, Evan Ferguson.

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