No pen and papering over cracks after Carsley and Co. underline task facing Hallgrimsson

“Looking at it now, probably the match was over after the first half,” sighed Ireland's new manager after his first game. A stark if true assessment, it's one that would be best not repeated against the Greeks on Tuesday. 

TOUGH VIEWING: Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson reacts during the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 match between Republic of Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Before Lee Carsley headed down the tunnel to deliver his half-time teamtalk on Saturday, the Lee Carsley Ipad reappeared.

This was the piece of tech he brought to his first press conference as England’s caretaker manager, placing it upright facing him to glean references for certain answers.