Hallgrimsson 'putting own spin on the team' - Carsley praises Ireland improvement ahead of Wembley showdown
WE MEET AGAIN: Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, left, and England interim manager Lee Carsley at the Aviva Stadium. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Ahead of his final match in caretaker charge of England, Lee Carsley has noted improvements in the Ireland side he had the chance to manage.
Heimir Hallgrimsson was instead the man who ended the eight-month search by arriving in July, just in time for a Uefa Nations League series against England, Greece and Finland.
Two wins, both against Finland, have been the upside to three losses, the first at home to England before Greece recorded a couple of 2-0 victories.
Sunday’s first competitive fixture between the neighbours at Wembley Stadium for 31 years concludes the campaign, with England seeking to complete their promotion to League A whereas Ireland’s motivation is bouncing into the March playoff that’ll decide whether they remain in League B.
“It’s definitely a game we need to win, a big game for us and by no means are we taking Ireland lightly,” said Carsley at his pre-match press conference, flanking Harry Kane.
“We have watched all of their games and you can see they are getting better. The coach is putting his own spin on the team.”
Carsley won 40 caps for Ireland, including a cameo at the 2002 World Cup, and he admits divorcing his allegiance to the country where his maternal grandmother was born from work is agonising.
“It’s very difficult to detach yourself from it,” he said, noting how his first assignment from elevation to the senior spot from his U21s was against Ireland.
“When I spoke to (English FA director of football) John McDermott a couple of days after Gareth (Southgate) had gone, about the potential of taking the squad for the Nations League, the first thing I did was look at the fixtures.
“When I realised it was Ireland, it was a big thing. The amount of caps I got and the time I spent, from making my debut at 24 until 30-odd, and all that goes with that.
“It was a great day, good to see so many old faces that were there when I was playing. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.”
That Declan Rice and Jack Grealish got the goals in England’s 2-0 win at Lansdowne Road in September compounded the pain for Irish fans. Both £100m players, who each switched allegiance from Ireland, are amongst the fleet of frontliners Carsley is without.
He’ll hand over the reins to Thomas Tuchel and return to his U21 post, making preparations to defend their Euro U21 title in Slovakia next summer.
“It's a great role, a brilliant experience which at times has been tough,” added former Everton and Birmingham City midfielder Carsley.
“Those tough times have been outweighed by nights like the other night when we beat Greece in Athens.
“You always question if you can do it, in terms of leaving your comfort zone. My focus is on Sunday, not the future, making sure we get the job done.
“We are fully respectful of Ireland and the strengths they have, we have to make sure we do our job.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
