England predicted XI for Republic of Ireland clash as Lee Carsley makes changes for final game
Lee Carsley named a makeshift England team against Greece and still secured a 3-0 win to put them in the driving seat for their Nations League group - and now he could make a handful of changes against Ireland
by Oli Gamp · The MirrorEngland interim boss Lee Carsley will name one last starting XI for the Three Lions against the Republic of Ireland tonight before handing over the keys to new head coach Thomas Tuchel.
Carsley has been in charge since Gareth Southgate resigned from his post this summer following the team's Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain and has overseen four wins from five games - with his only loss coming at home to Greece last month.
The England Under-21 boss redeemed himself for that shock 2-1 defeat by masterminded a 3-0 win over the Greeks in their own backyard, despite seeing nine players pull out of his squad through injury.
He named a makeshift team featuring a handful of inexperienced England stars on Thursday night and could look to make changes for this game, with the Three Lions in the driving seat in their Nations League group after leapfrogging Greece at the top of the table.
The biggest concern for Carsley will be replacing Ezri Konsa, who hobbled off during the win in Athens and looks set to miss out on this clash at Wembley.
He could instead switch Kyle Walker from right back to centre-back alongside Marc Guehi - switching around his back-line to play Rico Lewis on the right instead of left. Lewis Hall could then come in on the left flank after making his debut in midweek.
Carsley will have been delighted with how his midfield operated despite missing pedigree in the middle of the park, with Noni Madueke grabbing an assist and Curtis Jones scoring the third goal of the night. Expect Carsley to stick with the same midfield, with Conor Gallagher partnering Jones behind Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon on the left.
The former Everton midfielder opted to leave captain Harry Kane out of the starting XI against Greece, which surprised many, but it paid off as stand-in Ollie Watkins scored the opening goal of the game - with the Bayern Munich forward coming on in the second half.
On this occasion, Carsley could now pick Kane from the off after giving him a period of rest and then bring on Watkins and perhaps forward threats like Dominic Solanke, Morgan Rogers and Jarrod Bowen later on.
Victory against Ireland will ensure England finish top of their Nations League group and secure them promotion back to the top-tier League A - while also providing a World Cup qualifying lifeline should they need it.
Tuchel will officially get to work with England on January 1, with his full focus placed on helping England win their first World Cup trophy since 1966.
England predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Lewis, Walker, Guehi, Hall; Gallagher, Jones; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane
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