On September 7, 2024, Ireland will host England at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin as the UEFA Nations League kicks off its 2024-25 season.
This match not only represents a competitive fixture in the league but also rekindles a long-standing rivalry between the two British Isles neighbors.
With both teams eager to start the tournament on a positive note, fans can expect an intense atmosphere as they battle for early points.
Match Preview
Ireland enters this match on the back of a challenging period, having failed to qualify for the Euro 2024 tournament.
Their last competitive outing ended in a disappointing 3-0 friendly defeat to Portugal back in June.
This result contributes to a worrying trend for the Boys in Green, as they have managed to secure only one win in their last six matches, with just two victories in their last ten outings.
Their previous Nations League campaign was equally underwhelming, finishing third in Group B1 with two wins, one draw, and three losses.
Despite their struggles, Ireland has a rich footballing history and will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage to challenge England.
However, their inability to beat the Three Lions since 1988 adds pressure on them to improve their performance if they hope to break this long-standing drought.
Conversely, England comes into this match with a sense of accomplishment, having reached the Euro 2024 final only to lose 2-1 to Spain.
While Gareth Southgate’s tactics faced some criticism during the tournament, the team proved difficult to beat, showcasing resilience despite lacking a decisive edge in attack.
Following the Euro final, Southgate stepped down, and U21 manager Lee Carsley has taken over on an interim basis.
Carsley, who led the U21 team to European Championship success in 2023, will be eager to demonstrate his capabilities at the senior level.
Head to Head
Historically, England has dominated their encounters with Ireland, winning 15 of the 17 meetings between the two sides.
The last match saw England secure a 3-0 victory in a friendly back in 2020, ending a stretch of six consecutive draws.
Given this record, England enters the match as favorites, but Ireland will be motivated to change their fortunes.
Team News
England will be without key players Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden for this match, which opens the door for potential debuts for Noni Madueke and Morgan Gibbs-White.
Despite these absences, the Three Lions still boast a talented squad that includes several experienced players.
Ireland, on the other hand, has a squad filled with Premier League talent, featuring players such as Brighton’s Evan Ferguson, Everton’s Seamus Coleman, and Liverpool’s Caoimhín Kelleher.
The presence of these established players adds depth and quality to the Irish lineup, providing them with the tools needed to compete effectively against their rivals.
Prediction
Considering the historical context and recent performances of both teams, we predict a closely contested match that may ultimately end in a stalemate.
Given that six of the last seven encounters between Ireland and England have ended in draws, a goalless draw seems likely as both teams struggle to assert themselves offensively.
- Score Prediction: Ireland 0-0 England
Betting Tips
Draw: Betting on a draw is a sensible option, especially given the history of closely fought matches between these two sides.
Under 2.5 Goals: With both teams exhibiting defensive strengths and offensive struggles, placing a bet on under 2.5 total goals is advisable.
Both Teams to Score – No: Given the recent scoring trends, betting against both teams finding the net could yield positive results.
Evan Ferguson to Score Anytime: As one of Ireland’s promising talents, placing a bet on Ferguson to score could be worth considering if he gets into a favorable position.