UEFA Nations League

LEE CARSLEY got off to a perfect start in his reign as England’s interim coach.The coach became the 20th man to take charge of the Three Lions in the Nations League clash against Ireland.Lee Carsley had his first game in charge of England against IrelandCredit: GettyJack Grealish netted the second goal for the Three Lions in a 2-0 winCredit: ReutersSince 1999, ten different coaches have led the national side out for games.They have all had varying degrees of success and longevity in the role.Some reigns have lasted over 50 and even 100 games, while some have lasted just one.SunSport takes a look at the first games of England’s last ten managers…READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKevin Keegan – 1999-2000 – 18 gamesKevin Keegan took on the England job as the full-time replacement for Glenn Hoddle.His first game in charge saw the Three Lions run out 3-1 winners over Poland in the Euro 2000 qualifying group.Kevin Keegan’s first match came against PolandCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe goals came via a hat-trick from Manchester United’s Paul Scholes.The midfielder’s feat was England’s first hat-trick from a player since Ian Wright scored four against San Marino in 1993.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKeegan’s teams included legendary players such as Alan Shearer as captain, David Beckham, Sol Campbell, Gary Neville and David Seaman.He also handed debuts to Tim Sherwood and Ray Parlour.England manager Lee Carsley reveals why he won’t sing the national anthem ahead of 1st game as bossThe match ended in a 3-1 win for the Three LionsCredit: GettyEngland were only able to qualify for Euro 2000 via a playoff win over Scotland.At the tournament, the Three Lions were unable to advance to the quarter-finals as they lost two of three group games.Keegan resigned from the role in October 2000 after losing to Germany in their first 2002 World Cup qualifier.That match was also the final game to be played at the old Wembley before it was rebuilt.Paul Scholes scored a hat-trick in the matchCredit: GettyPeter Taylor – 2000-2001 – 1 gamePeter Taylor was appointed as a caretaker manager in November 2000 following Keegan’s exit from the role.He lasted only one game, which was a 1-0 defeat against Italy in Turin after a goal from AC Milan legend Gennaro Gattuso.Peter Taylor took charge of one game against ItalyCredit: RexTaylor made his team up with a focus on youth, having previously been the head coach of the Under 21s.He handed Beckham the armband for the first time in his career.Taylor also included young stars such as Emile Heskey, Kieron Dyer, Rio Ferdinand, Jamie Carragher, Gareth Barry and Seth Johnson in his squad.Johnson earned his one and only cap for the Three Lions as he came on as a 73rd-minute substitute.Gennaro Gattuso’s brilliant strike won the game for ItalyCredit: Times Newspapers LtdSven-Goran Eriksson – 2001-2006 – 67 gamesSven-Goran Eriksson took charge of his first England game as manager in 2001.The late Swede got off to an exciting start with a 3-0 win over a Spain side that included the likes of Iker Casillas, Pep Guardiola, Raul and Luis Enrique.Sven-Goran Erikkson took charge of his first England game in 2001Credit: GettyThe goals came from Nick Barmby, Emile Heskey and a first for UgoEhiogu.Substitute goalkeeper Nigel Martyn also kept a clean sheet by denying Javi Moreno from the spot.Eriksson was the first of a kind as he was the first foreigner to be handed the job by the FA.He also led England to an incredible 5-1 victory in World Cup qualification over Germany in Munich in September 2001.His side beat Spain 3-0 in an international friendlyCredit: ReutersHis team qualified for the tournament in Japan and South Korea after David Beckham’s iconic free-kick against Greece.Eriksson took charge of England for three major tournaments, each time ending at the quarter-final stage.Euro 2004 and the World Cup in 2006 both ended with a penalty shootout heartbreak to Portugal.Steve McClaren – 2006-2007 – 18 gamesSteve McClaren was appointed as England manager in 2006 after Eriksson stepped down.He beat the likes of Alan Curbishley, Martin O’Neill and Sam Allardyce to the role.Steve McClaren replaced Sven-Goran ErikssonCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe job was initially offered to Brazilian Luiz Felippe Scolari, but he rejected the FA’s offer.McClaren’s was given the nickname “Second Choice Steve” due to the circumstances of his appointment.The coach’s tenure got off to a great start though, as his side beat Greece 4-0 at Old Trafford.He opted to go in a different direction from his predecessor and dropped veteran players such as Sol Campbell, David James and Beckham.He was nicknamed ‘Wally with the Brolly’ in the infamous game that saw England fail to qualify for Euro 2008Credit: Times Newspapers LtdEngland beat Greece 4-0 in his first gameCredit: ReutersJohn Terry opened the scoring before a strike from Frank Lampard, and a brace from Peter Crouch sealed the victory.However, despite a good start, McClaren’s team faltered in their qualification for Euro 2008.They failed to reach the tournament after losing their final group game to Croatia at Wembley in 2007.In that game, he earned another nickname, “Wally with a brolly”, after he was spotted with an umbrella and a cup of tea on the sideline. The next day, he was sacked by the FA in what is the second shortest stint of any England manager.Peter Crouch got on the scoresheetCredit: ReutersFabio Capello – 2008-2012 – 42 gamesFabio Capello was named as McClaren’s replacement and England’s second foreign manager in 2008.The former Real Madrid man with it believed that he was handed a contract worth £6million-per-year.Fabio Capello was England’s second-ever foreign managerCredit: AFPThe Italian’s first match saw England scrape a victory over Switzerland in an international friendly match at Wembley.Jermaine Jenas scored the opener before Eren Derdiyok equalised for the visitors.Shaun Wright-Phillips netted the winner for the Three Lions midway through the second half.Capello led England through qualification for the 2010 World Cup in Germany.England won his first match in charge against SwitzerlandCredit: GettyHowever, the team scraped through the group stages before being knocked out by the host nation 4-1 in a game that saw Frank Lampard denied a clear goal, but technology could not confirm it.The manager then saw England have an unbeaten campaign to qualify for Euro 2012, with five wins and three draws.However, he resigned from the role after Terry was removed as captain by the FA due to his affair with Wayne Bridge’s girlfriend, Vanessa Perroncel.Shaun Wright-Phillips and Jermaine Jenas scored the goalsCredit: PA:Press AssociationStuart Pearce – 2012 – 1 gameStuart Pearce was in charge of the England Under 21s when Capello resigned from his role.The former Nottingham Forest and West Ham star took on the senior team while the FA searched for a replacement for the Italian.Stuart Pearce had one game in charge of EnglandCredit: GettyAs caretaker, his sole match in charge of England was a friendly match against Holland at Wembley in February 2012.The game itself was one to remember as Arjen Robben and Klass-Jan Hunterlaar scored within a minute of each other to put the visitors in control.But Pearce’s team fought back to level thanks to late goals from Gary Cahill and Ashley Young.However, Robben netted in the 92nd minute to give the Dutch victory.Ashely Young scored an equaliser for EnglandCredit: Getty Images – GettyArjen Robben netted a late winner in the matchCredit: ReutersPearce did name Scott Parker as captain for the match, which also saw Fraizer Campbell earn his only cap for England.He wanted to lead England into Euro 2012 but did admit that he did not have the experience to take on the job full-time.The FA agreed with him and instead opted for a very experienced manager to take on the job.Roy Hodgson – 2012-2016 – 56 gamesThe England job was Roy Hodgson’s 19th managerial role in his career.He pipped Harry Redknapp to the role despite the Tottenham boss being the favourite to replace Capello.Roy Hodgson was appointed manager in 2012Credit: GettyHodgson caused controversy early in his reign when he left Rio Ferdinand out of the squad for Euro 2012 due to “footballing reasons”.His first match came in Oslo as England took on Norway in a friendly game.Ashley Young’s 9th-minute goal gave the Three Lions their first victory over Norway for 32 years.In the build-up to the European championships, it was viewed that England’s golden generation had come to an end, and hopes were low for the tournament.His first game ended in a 1-0 win over NorwayCredit: PA:Press AssociationEngland reached the quarter-finals but were beaten by Italy on penalties.Hodgson then led the team to the World Cup in 2014 in South Africa.The tournament was a disaster for the Three Lions who were beaten by Italy and Uruguay before drawing with Costa Rica.The team finished bottom of their group, but Hodgson remained in charge.England were humiliated by Iceland in Hodgson’s last-ever gameCredit: The TimesEngland returned to action by winning all ten of their qualification matches for Euro 2016 in France.The tournament saw England humiliated in the round of 16 as they were knocked out by Iceland 2-1.The result led to Hodgson’s resignation from the role.Sam Allardyce – 2016 – 1 gameSam Allardyce has the shortest reign of any England manager ever, lasting just 67 days in the role.He won his one and only match in charge of the team 1-0 away in Slovakia in 2016 thanks to a 95th minute-winner from Adam Lallana.Sam Allardyce was made England manager in 2016Credit: Getty Images – GettyThe biggest shock of the squad was the decision to call-up an uncapped Michail Antonio.The West Ham star was in good form at the time but did not play due to injury, and he now represents Jamaica.The result means that the former West Ham and Bolton boss does possess a 100 per cent win record as England manager.However, he was axed by The FA after he was caught in a sting telling businessmen to “get around” transfer rules.He was sacked after just 67 daysCredit: Getty – ContributorGareth Southgate – 2016-2024 – 102 gamesGareth Southgate started his England tenure with a professional 2-0 win over Malta in October 2016.Daniel Sturridge and Dele Alli got on the scoresheet as the Three Lions beat the resistance of a stunning performance from goalkeeper Andrew Hogg.Gareth Southgate took the job after AllardyceCredit: Getty Images – GettySouthgate was a player for England before becoming managerCredit: PA:Press AssociationIn the game, Southgate used Wayne Rooney as a midfielder and made him the captain.The Manchester United legend featured only three more times in England before finishing his international playing career.The result against Malta could have been seen as an omen for Southgate’s reign, professional but uninspiring.The former Middlesborough manager went on to lead England to two Euros finals and a World Cup semi-final before stepping down in 2024.He oversaw more than 100 matches before stepping downCredit: The FA – Getty ImagesLee Carsley – 2024-present – 1 gameInterim boss Lee Carsley took charge of his first senior England match against the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League on September 7, 2024.His side put in an impressive performance as they beat the hosts 2-0 at the Aviva Stadium.Lee Carsley is the successor to SouthgateCredit: GettyThe goals came from former Irish players Declan Rice and Jack Grealish despite the hostile reception from the home crowd.READ MORE SUN STORIESCarsley made some big calls with his team selection as he left out experienced stars such as Raheem Sterling, Ivan Toney and Kyle Walker.He opted to hand first call-ups to Morgan Gibbs-White, Noni Madueke and Angel Gomes.He has got off to a winning startCredit: Getty More

HE walked straight out of the tunnel and sat on the wrong bench, then stood tight-lipped throughout God Save The King.But when Lee Carsley’s England team strut around giving a passable impression of Brazil at the 1970 World Cup, then frankly who cares?England hit the high notes against Ireland, even if Lee Carsley didn’t belt out the national anthemCredit: GettyDeclan Rice and Jack Grealish bagged England’s goals in an impressive 2-0 win, both having previously played for home side Ireland at various levelsCredit: EPACarsley saw England dominate in a 2-0 victory in DublinCredit: PAThey say that managing England is the impossible job, that the politics, the media glare and the millions of armchair critics make it a thankless task.Yet if England are winning and playing thrilling football – as they did in the first half of this Nations League clash – then the rest is all irrelevant white noise.Carsley has navigated his first serious sewage storm, his first public embarrassment and his first match in charge.And the interim boss has emerged with flying colours, leading England to their first win in Dublin since 1964. READ MORE ON ENGLANDOn the eve of his maiden outing, there had been hysterical calls for Carsley to be sacked before he had even taken charge of a match due to his refusal to sing the national anthem.It was me who asked Birmingham-born Carsley that question – given his previous life as a midfielder who won 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland, now taking charge of his native country for the first time at senior level in Dublin, of all places.But the idea that his refusal to sing a song should make him ineligible for the job of managing a football team is patent nonsense.Like approximately half of people in an increasingly globalised society, Carsley – whose paternal grandparents were Irish – was eligible to play international sport for more than one nation.Most read in FootballOutstanding Three Lions’ midfielder Rice declined to celebrate his goal, explaining it was out of respect for his late Irish grandparentsCredit: EPAFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd like most such people, he has genuine allegiance to both countries, complicating matters such as anthems.Carsley had never previously sung either, as an Ireland player or as England’s Under-21 boss.Lee Carsley goes to WRONG dugout before England clash with IrelandGrealish’s display must have been music to the ears of CarsleyCredit: EPAHis claim that it was all a matter of focusing on the match ahead didn’t sound entirely convincing but the whole farago was soon reduced to storm-in-a-teacup proportions as soon as his England started playing with purpose and verve.   Carsley is clearly a gifted coach, who led the Under-21s to glory at last year’s European Championships without conceding a goal, and already has the seniors purring with positivity.After 26 minutes of this match, England were two goals to the good, the scorers were Irish hate figures Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, and Carsley’s side boasted 86 per-cent possession.The farcical pre-match sight of Carsley sitting on the Irish bench, then being tapped on the shoulder by an official who reminded him that he was on the away side now, was nothing more than a comedy meme.Perhaps Carsley had simply been ‘too focused on the match’.While the Irish were poor, their FIFA ranking of 58 sees them only six places below Slovenia – with whom England bored out a turgid goalless draw at the Euros before Gareth Southgate was pelted with beer cups by Three Lions fans.Before we get too carried away about the idea of Carsley transforming England, let’s not pretend that Southgate’s team, who reached two Euros finals and one World Cup semi-final, never played entertaining football.Against Holland in this summer’s semi-final, Senegal at the last World Cup, Ukraine at the previous Euros and in competitive wins against Italy, Germany and Spain – to name just a few – they performed style as well as achieving impressive results.But England did often lack risk-taking bravery and there was a sense of world-class footballers playing beneath themselves – especially in Germany this summer.So this was a marked improvement, after just three days of training under Carsley.Rice and Grealish stole the show, thriving on the predictable hostility from home supporters, after their switches of international allegiance from Ireland to England.Ireland’s Caoimhin Kelleher was much the busier keeperCredit: EPAHarry Kane skippered the first match of Carsley’s regimeCredit: EPAYou simply don’t become £100m footballers if you can’t handle people being a bit rude to you.        Rice, branded a snake on one fan’s banner and loudly accused of indulging in one-in-a-bed romps seconds before he lashed home an emphatic opener, was magnificent.Grealish, enjoying the freedom of the No 10 role in the absence of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, steered home the second and played with sheer devilment.Both goals had Carsley’s stamp on them. Trent Alexander-Arnold in his Liverpool role as a right-back who drifts into midfield, was in the centre of the park when he played the gorgeous pass which led to Rice’s opener.And England’s second was a joyous rapid-fire pass-and-move affair, with Rice the architect and Grealish the executioner.It became much more scruffy after the break as Ireland played with greater purpose but the job was done by then – and nobody was worrying about singing or seating arrangements.Carsley is a fine tactician and man-manager and he will be relatively cheap – so the FA would love him to pass this six-match autumn audition for the permanent job.The trouble is that none of England’s opponents – Ireland, Finland and Greece – are ranked in the world’s top 50, so there will be no elite tests to judge him on.READ MORE SUN STORIESStill, at least we can forget about the anthems now.When England’s football is singing, who gives a stuff whether Carsley does?England Player Ratings vs IrelandDECLAN RICE silenced his Irish critics with a dominant display in England’s Nations League opener.Lee Carsley’s players handed him a debut win as interim manager of the Three Lions.Rice starred in the first half as he netted the opener and then set up England’s second goal.Jack Grealish doubled up for England after being set up by Rice 15 minutes later.Anthony Gordon however faded in the match as he was not able to have as much success as Grealish.SunSport’s Charlie Wyett has rated England’s players’ performance against Ireland…JORDAN PICKFORD – 6Pushed away a half decent shot from Sammie Szmodics at the start of the game but as England took control, he had a stress-free game.After a difficult couple of weeks with Everton, he would have been grateful for this. TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 7Looked more at home at right-back compared to the disastrous midfield experiment at the Euros.Stunning pass in a move that eventually led to the first goal. He has to remain as England’s right-back. MARC GUEHI – 7Enjoyed a decent Euros and switched over to the right of central defence as John Stones was named on the bench.Looks increasingly like a top-drawer defender. HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Was left devastated after failing to make the Euro 2024 squad but he has enjoyed a decent start with Manchester United and looked solid here.When he is not in the team, England do miss his aerial presence. 7LEVI COLWILL – 7Second appearance for England and was deployed at left-back.Unlike the Euros, England have much better balance in defence with a natural left footer in this position. 7DECLAN RICE – 9Enjoyed an absolute stormer in what could have been a difficult afternoon.Booed every time he touched the ball, the former Irish international quietened the boisterous home fans with a brilliant finish although refused to celebrate.He then set up the second for Grealish. KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Fits perfectly into Carsley’s style of play. Some of his passing was excellent, particularly in the final third of the pitch, and this included his part in the outstanding second goal. BUKAYO SAKA – 7Enjoying a terrific start to the season with Arsenal – he has been nominated as their player of the month – and played with plenty of confidence here.Was involved in the second goal.JACK GREALISH – 8Left out of the Euros squad, but loved every minute of this.A decent finish for 2-0 and unlike Rice, celebrated in front of the visiting fans by raising both arms in triumph.ANTHONY GORDON – 6Looked really lively early on but faded.He should have put England ahead when clean through but was lucky that seconds later, Rice hammered his shot into the corner. 6HARRY KANE – 6Missed with a header and despite working hard, did not actually have that many chances despite England having so much possession. SubsGibbs-White (for Grealish 77 mins) 6, Gomes (for Mainoo 77) 6, Eze (for Gordon 77 mins) 6, Bowen (for Kane 84 mins) 6, Stones (for Maguire 85) 6.Subs not used: Henderson, Pope, Lewis, Gallagher, Livramento, Konsa, Madueke. More