Peter Johnson – Journalism

Life in the post-Gareth Southgate era started well for England as they recorded their first competitive victory against Ireland since 1980.

Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, who both previously represented Ireland, claimed a goal each as England ushered in a new era with a consummately professional 2-0 victory.

Interim manager Lee Carsley, himself a former Ireland international, made five changes from Southgate’s last England starting 11, which came against Spain in July’s European Championship final defeat.

In an opening exchange littered with chances, both sides traded opportunities to lead, with Jayson Molumby and Harry Kane blazing headers over at either end. Ipswich’s Sammie Szmodics also tested England number one Jordan Pickford from range.

It did not take long for England to find the breakthrough, though, as a defence-splitting ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold sent Anthony Gordon in on goal. A smart save by Liverpool stopper Caoimhin Kelleher denied the Newcastle man his first England goal, but the ball eventually fell to Declan Rice, who slammed the visitors in front from 12 yards out.

The Arsenal midfielder, who represented Ireland in three friendly matches before switching his allegiance to England, was muted in his celebrations.

Moments later Kelleher denied England captain Kane a goal on his 99^th cap, as England began to seize control of proceedings.

The visitors maintained their dominance, doubling their lead on 26 minutes as Jack Grealish, who also wore the green of Ireland at youth level, rounded off a wonderful one-touch move involving Rice, Bukayo Saka and Kobbie Mainoo. His celebrations were much more animated, cupping his ears in front of a rapturous away crowd.

International bows for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White and Lille’s Angel Gomes in the second half marked new boss Carsley’s first real break from the Southgate era, as England completed a performance reminiscent of those regularly executed under their former boss.

The victory sends the Three Lions top of their Nations League B group, after a disappointing set of results against Germany, Hungary and Italy two years ago saw them relegated from the competition’s top table.

Ireland also had a new face in the dugout. Heimir Hallgrimsson was joint head coach of his native Iceland when they stunned England at Euro 2016, but could perform no such heroics with his new side.

However, Ireland’s spirited performance will provide confidence for their home meeting with Greece on Tuesday.

England, meanwhile, will host Finland at Wembley, on an occasion expected to mark Harry Kane’s 100^th international cap.

Image credit: Blue Elf