England will look to confirm their return to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League when they host the Republic of Ireland at Wembley on Sunday.
Interim manager Lee Carsley’s side currently top League B Group 2 and need only a point against Ireland to secure automatic promotion back to League A. England bounced back from an October defeat to Greece with a comprehensive 3-0 win over the Greeks in their last outing, putting them in pole position to clinch first place.
The visitors, meanwhile, have already been condemned to a playoff to preserve their second-tier status after finishing third in the group. Ireland’s 1-0 win over Finland last time out ensured the Scandinavians’ relegation, but Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men have failed to beat any opponent other than Finland in this year’s competition.
England have won four of their 10 previous home games in the Nations League, while Ireland are seeking their first victory against the Three Lions since Euro 1988. Carsley is expected to make changes for his final game in charge, with the likes of Ollie Watkins, Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers pushing for starts.
A win for England would cap a successful interim spell for Carsley before he steps down, with Thomas Tuchel set to take over the national team. For Ireland, the focus will be on avoiding relegation through the playoffs as their search for a first Nations League win over a top-ranked opponent continues.
- Score Prediction: England 2-0 Republic of Ireland
