Five talking points from England’s commanding 2-0 victory over Ireland | OneFootball

Declan Rice and Jack Grealish silenced the Irish boos to earn England a comfortable 2-0 victory in Dublin.

In Lee Carsley’s first match as interim manager, England could have made it an even more dominant result as the Three Lions kicked off the post-Gareth Southgate era with a convincing win in their Nations League opener.

Here’s five talking points from the game…

A new era underway in fine style

Carsley’s interim reign is off and running in fine style with this dominant performance in Dublin.

After Southgate’s eight years in charge, a change in leadership was always going to take some adaptation but this transition seemed pretty seamless.

Far tougher tests to come in the Nations League and beyond but the early signs have been promising under Carsley’s leadership.

Grealish finding his very best form

After last season’s injury disruption, Grealish is one again firing on all cylinders for club and country.

The Manchester City wide man finished off a flowing England move to double their lead at the Aviva Stadium and wasn’t shy in celebrating amid the barrage of Irish boos.

Grealish’s ability has never been in question and the way he consistently isolated his full back, drawing fouls and creating chances had England fans on their feet every time he received the ball.

Rice right not to celebrate?

A terrific finish from Rice gave England an early lead with the Arsenal midfielder immediately raising his hands apologetically despite the incessant booing from the Dublin crowd.

Rice represented Ireland on three occasions before switching allegiances as a 21-year-old and it was perhaps surprising to see his reserved reaction towards opening the scoring.

The hostility from the Irish support was never going to be an issue for Rice and the nature of his opening goal was further indication of his attacking qualities.

Great friends Gibbs-White and Gomes make England debuts

A brilliant moment for best friends Morgan Gibbs-White and Angel Gomes who were given their England debuts together in the final 15 minutes.

Gibbs-White is the first Nottingham Forest player to represent England since Stuart Pearce back in 1997 and the duo are great options for the Three Lions off the bench.

Gomes’ injection of energy was needed in the final part as Ireland pressed for a route back into the match.

Harry Kane off the boil again

Another subdued England performance from Kane who was replaced in the second half by Jarrod Bowen.

The Bayern Munich forward has registered just three goals in 18 Nations League games and his sub-par displays are a growing concern.

There’s little doubt that he remains England’s best striker but the importance of alternative solutions is now as rife as it’s ever been, with the 31-year-old now just one shy of 100 caps.