September 7th 2024.
Jack Grealish, the star forward for England, made an impressive comeback on Saturday as he scored a goal in the team's victory against Republic Ireland. This match also marked the beginning of Lee Carsley's reign as the new England boss, and it was definitely a strong start for him. The Three Lions managed to secure a 2-0 win in Dublin, much to the disappointment of the Irish fans.
The game started off with a bang as Declan Rice and Grealish scored early on, paving the way for England's first victory since their defeat in the Euro 2024 final and Gareth Southgate's resignation. Carsley's team was on fire in the first half, showing off their speed and fluidity on the field. However, they struggled to maintain the same momentum in the second half. Despite this, it was still a positive start to their Nations League campaign and the Carsley era.
Let's take a closer look at how the Three Lions performed in this game. Jordan Pickford, the goalkeeper for Everton, received a rating of 7 for his performance. He made a great save early on, but the rest of the match was relatively quiet for him. There was one questionable moment when he tried to play out from the back, but overall, he proved that he is still the number one choice for his position.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been overshadowed by Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier in the past, finally had a chance to shine for his country. He received a rating of 8 for his performance, and rightfully so. He almost assisted Harry Kane in scoring the first goal and his brilliant pass to Gordon eventually led to Rice's goal. However, he did seem a bit sloppy in the second half.
Marc Guehi, who had a solid performance at the Euro 2024, continued his impressive form in this game as well. He was calm and disciplined in his position, and even supported the attack when needed. Harry Maguire, who missed the Euros due to injury, also had a solid and calm outing, earning a rating of 7. This should definitely boost his confidence as he continues to play for Manchester United.
Levi Colwill, who made his competitive international debut, had to play out of position at left-back. Despite this, he coped well and received a rating of 7. However, he did receive a yellow card towards the end of the game. Declan Rice, who was the center of attention leading up to the game, received a well-deserved rating of 9. He not only opened the scoring but also set up Grealish for the second goal. It was an emotional moment for him, as he used to play for Ireland before switching to England.
Kobbie Mainoo, who played alongside Rice in midfield, received a rating of 7. He played a bit deeper and linked up the play well. Bukayo Saka, who was a constant threat down the right flank, received a rating of 8. He almost assisted Bowen in injury time and also had a few chances to score himself. Grealish, who was a bit quieter than his fellow attackers, received a rating of 8 for his excellent finish in his return to the national team. He celebrated with great emotion after a tough year for both his club and country.
Anthony Gordon, who has been praised for his performance at the Euros, received a rating of 8 for his pace and constant pressure on Ireland's defense. He was instrumental in the build-up to Rice's goal and could have scored a few goals himself if not for Caoimhin Kelleher's saves. As for Kane, who was playing his 100th game for England, received a rating of 6. He missed a golden opportunity to score in the first half and was quite anonymous in the second half.
In the later part of the game, a few substitutes were made. Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes, Eberechi Eze, and Jarrod Bowen all made their debuts for England. While they didn't have much time to make an impact, they all received a rating of 5. John Stones, who came on in the 85th minute for Maguire, received a rating of 5 for his calm and assured performance.
Overall, it was an impressive start for Lee Carsley and his team. They showed great promise and will hope to continue this momentum in their upcoming matches. It was also a memorable game for the players who made their debuts and for those who returned to the national team after a long break. Let's hope for more victories like this in the future.
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