The 2024-25 UEFA Nations League season will kick off on 7 September 2024 when Ireland host England at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
The match is not only a crucial league fixture, but also rekindles a long-standing rivalry between the two neighbours in the British Isles.
With both teams eager to get the tournament off to a strong start, fans can expect some tense action with points vying for position early on.
Match Preview
Ireland come into the match after a difficult period, having missed out on qualification for Euro 2024.
Their last official match was a disappointing 3-0 defeat in a friendly. Portugal I’ll be back in June.
The result adds to a worrying trend for the Boys in Green, who have just one win in their last six games and just two in their last 10.
Their last Nations League campaign was similarly disappointing, finishing third in Group B1 with two wins, one draw and three losses.
Despite their struggles, Ireland boast a rich footballing history and will be hoping to use home advantage to challenge England.
But they have not beaten England since 1988, so the pressure will be on them to improve if they want to end that long drought.
Conversely, England Euro 2024 final Lost 2-1 Spain.
Gareth Southgate’s tactics came under criticism throughout the tournament, but the team showed resilience despite lacking a decisive attacking advantage and proved a difficult team to beat.
After the Euros final, Southgate resigned and the U21 manager Lee Carsley took over on an interim basis.
Having led the Under-21 team to European Championship victory in 2023, Carsley is keen to prove his mettle at senior level.
Head-to-head
Historically, England have had the upper hand against Ireland, winning 15 of the 17 meetings between the two teams.
England won the 2020 friendly 3-0, ending a run of six consecutive draws.
Judging by this record, England will go into the match as favourites to win, but Ireland will also be keen to change their fortunes.
Team news
England will be without key players Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden for this match. Noni Madueke and Morgan Gibbs White.
Despite these absences, England still boast a talented squad that includes several experienced players.
Meanwhile, Ireland is brimming with Premier League talent, with Brighton Evan FergusonEverton Seamus Colemanand Liverpool Caoimhin Kelleher.
The presence of these proven players adds depth and quality to the Irish line-up, providing them with the tools they need to compete effectively against their rivals.
prediction
Considering the historical background and recent performances of both teams, it is expected to be a close match that may ultimately end in a draw.
With six of the previous seven meetings between Ireland and England ending in a draw, a goalless draw seems likely with neither team playing to their full potential.
- Score Predictions: Ireland 0-0 England
Betting Tips
draw: Betting on a draw is a smart choice, especially considering the history of close matches between these two teams.
2.5 Below target: Both teams have strong defenses but struggled on offense, so it would be wise to bet on a total of less than 2.5 goals.
Both Teams to Score – No: Given recent scoring trends, betting on neither team scoring could be a better option.
Evan Ferguson can score at any time: As one of Ireland’s brightest talents, if Ferguson is in the favour, a gamble on him scoring may be worth considering.
