In Lee Carsley's debut as interim manager, England secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Ireland in the Nations League, with goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish. The first-half performance showcased England's dominance, as they quickly established a lead and showcased their superior skills against a physically aggressive Irish side. Rice, who previously played for Ireland, chose not to celebrate his goal, while Grealish embraced the jeers from the crowd with a vibrant celebration. Despite a quieter second half, England maintained control and highlighted the gap between the two teams, ranked 54 places apart. Carsley's decision not to sing the national anthem generated pre-match controversy but was overshadowed by the team's performance on the field. This match marked a successful start for Carsley in the post-Gareth Southgate era, with further challenges ahead in the Nations League.