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Lee Carsley has no concerns about playing Declan Rice or Jack Grealish in Dublin as the former Republic of Ireland international prepares to take charge of England as caretaker manager for the first time.
Saturday’s Nations League opener at the Aviva Stadium marks the start of a new era, just 55 days after England lost a second successive European Championship final.
Gareth Southgate ended his eight-year reign after the narrow defeat to Spain, with England Under-21 boss Carsley promoted to interim manager as the Football Association considers its next steps.
The 50-year-old’s first game as manager will come against the country he represented 40 times as a player, adding extra spice to a fixture which also sees Rice and Grealish return to the Emerald Isle.
Rice won three senior caps for the Republic before switching allegiance to England, shortly after Grealish did the same after representing Ireland up to under-21 level.
Asked if he had any concerns about playing them at the Aviva Stadium, interim boss Carsley replied: “No, not at all.
“We’ve spoken – not just to Jack and Declan, but to the whole team – we’ve spoken about the atmosphere we’re looking forward to.
“It’s exciting, it’s passionate, it’s loud, but it’s not going to be any different to what the players are used to in Premier League games or top-flight games. I think they’ll be ready for whatever comes their way.”
Asked what kind of reception he expected in Ireland, the England interim manager said: “I’m not sure, to be honest. Probably the same.”
“But if we are to believe the reception we have received from the children outside (the hotel), it will be very positive.”
Carsley was in relaxed mood at Carton House, England’s base on the outskirts of Dublin. The 50-year-old was respectful of Ireland throughout the game and said he would “savour” any late winner at the Aviva Stadium, where he feels honoured to return as England’s interim manager.
“I’m proud,” Carsley said of his emotions before the game. “It’s not something I’ve thought about much until recently.
“I think when I saw the draw I was obviously fully focused on the Under-21s, and I thought ‘this is going to be a good game’.
“I only realized two weeks ago that I was going to be here, so I’m very excited about it.
“It’s not something that scares me. I’m excited by the challenge. I have great confidence in the players. I think they’ll enjoy the atmosphere.”
“It’s a good game for them to come back after a big disappointment, so hopefully we can perform well.”
Carsley has a full 23-man squad to choose from for the Group B2 clash against a country he not only represented but could also have coached.
The former midfielder has been in talks with the Football Association of Ireland over his vacant managerial role just months after masterminding England’s Under-21s triumph at the European Championship. Heimir Hallgrimsson was finally appointed Ireland manager in July and on Saturday he will also take charge of the team for the first time.
“I don’t remember the exact timeline but after the Euros I sat down with the FA’s approval to speak to two or three people about different opportunities, just out of respect more than anything else,” Carsley added.
“The Republic of Ireland was one. It was very informal. It didn’t go any further and, for example, I was very lucky and privileged to have the job that I have, so I knew that before I spoke to anyone.”
