5 things we learnt from England’s 2-0 win over Ireland

England claimed a comfortable 2-0 win over Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin to begin their UEFA Nations League campaign with a victory and take the driver’s seat in Group F.

Former Irish youth internationals Jack Grealish and Declan Rice bagged the goals to open the Lee Carsley era with a much-needed boost. Carsley became the first interim England manager to win his first game in charge.

The Three Lions dominated and overwhelmed the Bhoys in Green from start to finish and will look to continue as they mean to go on when they face Finland on Tuesday.

In the meantime, let’s delve into five key takeaways from Carsley’s first game at the helm of the English national team.

Levi Colwill could solve England left-back woes

Chelsea centre-half Levi Colwill filled in at left-back for England against Ireland and delivered a sublime performance, shutting down Chiedozie Ogbene.

The 21-year-old was defensively sturdy and punched the ball through the lines to kick-start attacks. The Cobham academy graduate has started the season well with the Blues and brought his excellent club form for England, winning six of his seven duels.

England’s left-back position has been a headache for some time, with Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell constantly sidelined with injuries.

Further down the line, Lewis Hall or Tyrick Mitchell could take the starting berth, but Colwill gave a decent account of himself at left-back and could plug the hole for now.

Anthony Gordon over Phil Foden on the left wing

With Premier League Player of the Season Phil Foden dealing with an illness, Anthony Gordon got a chance in the starting XI, and the Newcastle United man grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

Gordon was always positive and running at the opposition’s defence. He found holes behind their backline. He spurned one massive guilt-edge chance but made up for it with his overall outing, playing two key passes and creating one big chance.

His ability to cut inside or go outside gave England a dynamism they lacked with Foden on the left flank. His combinations with Jack Grealish were exciting, and Carsley must consider retaining him in the starting line-up for the Finland clash.

Jack Grealish shines in the number eight role for England

Man City maverick Jack Grealish played on the left side of midfield in Carsley’s 4-3-3 formation and delivered a remarkable performance. He netted the second goal to ensure the victory for the Three Lions and cap an exciting showing.

Grealish had more freedom playing through the centre and basked in it. He drifted to the left to combine with Gordon and had enough space through the middle to operate – reminiscent of his Aston Villa days.

After being left off the 2024 European Championship squad list, the 28-year-old has a point to prove. He needs to keep up this momentum at club and country level.

Based on this performance, he should retain his spot in the starting XI against Finland, but Carsley may want to see someone else in that role.

Will the real Trent Alexander-Arnold please stand up?

Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the best players in the world in his position, but it had not clicked for him with the national team. The 25-year-old has struggled to replicate his best form for England over the years.

However, Alexander-Arnold showed what he was capable of against Ireland. The Liverpool-born star was whipping delightful passes across the park and put in an excellent performance.

Maybe, just maybe, Carsley has unlocked the real Alexander-Arnold. He did not need to play in midfield to prove his mettle.

The Real Madrid transfer target played in his natural right-back position and pinged delicious balls like the one to Harry Kane’s head, which the Bayern Munich man should have attacked better.

He was strutting his stuff and played a majestic no-look pass into Grealish under pressure from Sammie Szmodics. In the 12th minute, Alexander-Arnold hooked a stunning 50-yard pass into Gordon, which led to Rice opening the scoring.

Alexander-Arnold gave a masterful performance and reminded the world why he is head and shoulders above many in his position. He will hope to continue this rich vein of form for England.

England freed from Gareth Southgate’s cagey football

Only a few batted an eyelid when Gareth Southgate stepped down from his position as England manager after Euro 2024. The country had grown tired of his cautious and pragmatic approach that many felt limited one of the most fearsome teams in football.

Those fans must have been excited by the football on display against the Irish. England had a new lease of life, freed from the cagey style Southgate had implemented for years.

The whole team expressed themselves on the ball, and it didn’t stop them from working incredibly hard off it. England (2.62 xG) limited Ireland to 0.65 xG. This balance between attack and defence is a promising sign for the future of English football.

The team’s performance was a testament to the newfound freedom and confidence that players were experiencing without the constraints of Southgate’s cautious system. Long may it continue!