Heimir Hallgrimsson: 'We lacked confidence and collective decision making' against England

The new boss saw his Boys in Green side outclassed by the Three Lions.

THAT'S HIS JOB: Ireland's head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson with Roy Keane after the game. Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Heimir Hallgrimsson admitted Ireland were by far second best in Saturday’s chastening chase by England in their Uefa Nations League opener.

Declan Rice and Jack Grealish returned to haunt the country they previously represented and the gulf in class was evident as the 2-0 defeat may have flattered Ireland.

Assessing his first game at the helm, the Icelander lamented Ireland’s lack of initiative, stressing the absence of this vital component impeded their progress on such a big occasion., “We were second best by far in this game - congratulations to England before we talk about us,” declared the newcomer.

“England played well. I didn’t think the formation of which players would have mattered.

“First it’s the confidence in decision-making and initiative - that was the big difference between the teams.

“We need collective decisions when defending and we weren’t good at that. We always hesitated, jumping and pressing, compared to all of England’s movements.

“They’ve been together at the Euros, and are Euro U21 champions. They knew their movements would be successful.

“We didn’t take the chance to cross or shoot when we got into good positions.” 

Hallgrimsson revealed he’d considered switching to a flat back-four at half-time, only to retain the status quo.

“We discussed whether to change and that might have hurt us,” he noted. “I think we did better in second half with more bravery and initiative. We were higher up the pitch.”