Republic of Ireland 0-2 England (Rice 11’, Grealish 26’)
You couldn’t make it up. Well, you could have, but even then few could believe Declan Rice and Jack Grealish scoring against the nation they used to represent was an actual reality on Saturday evening.
Facing a hostile reception in Dublin, with their faces on one banner reading “The Snakes Are Back” in the stands, both Rice and Grealish scored for England in the first half of a comfortable Nations League win over the Republic of Ireland.
Rice didn’t celebrate, Grealish did, while overall both players were instrumental throughout as Lee Carsley’s audition got off to an ideal start.
Rice was a cut above, while both Grealish and Anthony Gordon showed England what they missed at the Euros – the latter largely overlooked despite making the squad – although in truth the Irish were poorer, in the first half particularly, than any opponent the Three Lions faced in Germany.
Nevertheless, it allowed for some England players to stake a claim going into this new cycle leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
Here i rates every England player out of 10, with Rice the standout performer and captain Harry Kane quiet overall…
England player ratings
Jordan Pickford: New era, same goalkeeper for England, with Pickford called into action early on and then mainly a passenger for the remainder of the mach, despite Ireland’s improvement after the break. 6
Trent Alexander-Arnold: Starting at right-back with Kyle Walker not included in Carsley’s squad, Alexander-Arnold’s selection was an indication of Carsley’s attacking intent, and it was his long ball for Gordon which eventually led to the opening goal. He continued to unlock the Irish, but defensively he showed familiar struggles when under the cosh in the second half. 7
Harry Maguire: A cosy return to England action for the Manchester United defender, doing precious little wrong, although he did rankle the Irish – and Everton fans – when injuring Seamus Coleman. 6
Marc Guehi: One of England’s standout stars at the Euros, Guehi once more looked calm and composed at the back when called upon. 7
Levi Colwill: In at left-back, and trusted by Carsley having played under him for the U21s, Colwill was perhaps the weak link Ireland looked to target. The jury is out on whether he is suited to this role. 6
Kobbie Mainoo: The Manchester United midfielder was an ideal anchor allowing Rice to push on, and showed some neat touches and calm play throughout. It will take something (someone) special to break up this Rice-Mainoo partnership before the 2026 World Cup. 8
Declan Rice: An international first? The former Republic of Ireland player not only refused to celebrate against his old side when putting England ahead, but apologised as well. Rice continued to orchestrate play, and he was central in Grealish’s goal too, linking up with both Mainoo and Bukayo Saka before assisting Grealish for a goal that oozed swagger. A towering display. 9
You couldn't write this…
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) September 7, 2024
Declan Rice finds Jack Grealish who scores for England against the Republic of Ireland#IREvENG pic.twitter.com/6nRvwuxMfX
Jack Grealish: No stranger to frosty receptions, Grealish started at No 10 in the absence of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, and enjoyed plenty of the ball in a free role. This was typified by being in the right place for England’s second, when he stroked home Rice’s low cut back. A quieter second half, but the damage was done, and the season is long. 8
Anthony Gordon: Another player presented with a golden opportunity to impress, under a manager he shone for at U21 level, Gordon squandered England’s first big chance after an impressive run behind – a passage of play that would at least lead to Rice’s goal. Put in a tireless shift. 8
Bukayo Saka: A far quieter first half than Gordon but still the Arsenal forward was involved in the well-worked second goal, and showed brief flashes of his brilliance in the second half. 7
Harry Kane: England’s captain had a point to prove on Saturday, albeit without Ollie Watkins or Ivan Toney lurking on the bench this time, and while he had one shot blocked Kane’s display was more notable for how deep he was playing. With Gordon and Grealish, it worked at times, but in turn it diminished the striker’s own opportunities where he is most lethal. This conundrum continues. 6
Subs
Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes, Eberechi Eze – All on with 15 minutes to go, Gibbs-White and Gomes making their England debuts. n/a
John Stones, Jarrod Bowen – Both on with less than 10 minutes remaining. n/a
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