England’s final competitive match before the arrival of Thomas Tuchel as the head coach in January 2025 will see them face Ireland in the group stage of the UEFA Nations League. Tuchel, who signed an 18-month contract in October, decided to allow interim manager Lee Carsley to lead the team for one last international break before he takes over.
The Three Lions find themselves at the top of Group 2, credited largely to Ireland’s recent victory over Greece. However, with England leading only on goal difference, the final match day could lead to a tense showdown at Wembley Stadium if the results do not go their way.
Match details are as follows:
Date: Sunday, November 17
Time: 12 p.m. ET
Location: Wembley Stadium, London
Live stream: Fubo (Free trial available)
Odds: England -475; Draw +500; Ireland +1400
Storylines:
For England, the major inquiry is whether Harry Kane will return to the starting lineup. Ollie Watkins, who played in the previous match against Greece, impressed by scoring. However, Kane’s absence would be surprising given his recent remarks regarding player withdrawals. England is eager to secure the group win, despite already qualifying for the next stage of the Nations League, which would allow them a more favorable draw.
Predicted starting XI for England: Jordan Pickford, Rico Lewis, Marc Guehi, Taylor Hardwood-Bellis, Lewis Hall, Conor Gallagher, Curtis Jones, Jarrod Bowen, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rodgers, Harry Kane.
On the Irish side, taking on England brings a unique challenge, especially with several players eligible for both national teams. Having come off a significant win against Greece, Ireland will enter this match with boosted confidence. The team’s defensive strength will be crucial to achieving a positive result against England, who have shown vulnerability in international fixtures.
Predicted starting XI for Ireland: Caoimhin Kelleher, Callum O’Dowda, Liam Scales, Nathan Collins, Matt Doherty, Michael Johnston, Jayson Molumby, Josh Cullen, Kasey McAteer, Evan Ferguson, Troy Parrott.
Prediction: The expectation is for another solid victory for England, potentially securing a 2-0 win and allowing the Carsley era to end on a high note before Tuchel steps into his new role.
This match not only holds significance for the current season but also marks the transition to a new era for the England team, offering hope for fresh strategies and successes under Tuchel’s leadership in 2025. Fans can look forward to an exciting matchup and the possibility of seeing a revitalized squad under new management.