England Triumphs Over Ireland: The Beginning of a New Era

Following their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, England started the UEFA Nations League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Ireland. Interim coach Lee Carsley saw goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish secure the win. Germany and the Netherlands also posted impressive victories in their respective groups.

After a heartbreaking loss in the European Championship, England launched a new chapter by defeating Ireland 2-0.

Just 55 days after the Euros final loss to Spain, England opened their UEFA Nations League journey under interim coach Lee Carsley, succeeding Gareth Southgate. Declan Rice and Jack Grealish scored first-half goals to steer England to victory at Aviva Stadium.

The game's scorers added a twist for Irish fans, who previously cheered Rice and Grealish before their nationality switch. Carsley, previously an Ireland player and current under-21 coach, praised the squad's talent and clean sheet.

Rice, with three past Ireland appearances, netted in the 11th minute, while Grealish, having youth-level history with Ireland, sealed the win with a sweeping move. Absent from Southgate's Euro 2024 squad, Grealish expressed pride in playing for England and reflected on a tough summer.

Heimir Hallgrimsson, Ireland's new coach, hoped to replicate his Euro 2016 success with Iceland. Despite England's strong first-half, they secured a routine win under Carsley.

Germany, inspired by Niclas Füllkrug's opener, crushed Hungary 5-0, maintaining their upbeat post-Euros momentum. The squad, minus retired stars Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan, leads Group A3 by goal difference over the Netherlands, which defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 5-2.

Elsewhere, Georgia beat Czechia 4-1, Albania bested Ukraine 2-1, and Armenia won 4-1 against Latvia. Group D2 saw Moldova triumph 2-0 over Malta with a draw between Faroe Islands and North Macedonia.

(With inputs from agencies.)