6 talking points for England and the Republic of Ireland’s restart in the Nations League

Ahead of this weekend's clash at the Aviva Stadium, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the key talking points.

Carsley starts reign in familiar surroundings

England's first game since losing to Spain in the Euro 2024 final in July will be under new management after Gareth Southgate ended his eight-year tenure. The Football Association have promoted England Under-21 coach Lee Carsley to head coach on an interim basis as a permanent successor is sought, but this autumn offers a great chance to secure the long-term position. The 50-year-old oversaw last summer's Under-21 Euro triumph and has received rave reviews from young players for his personnel management, approach and tactics. Carsley's popularity is unlikely to be shared in Dublin as he is a former Republic of Ireland international and has reportedly turned down the coaching job now held by Heimir Hallgrimsson.

Champagne on ice

Hallgrimsson was appointed in July and Ireland's new manager has a shared history with England. He was co-manager of his native Iceland alongside Sweden's Lars Lagerbäck when they unceremoniously knocked England out of the Euro 2016 round of 16 thanks to a famous 2-1 win in Nice. While Roy Hodgson's men headed home – the manager tendered his resignation – Hallgrimsson, Lagerbäck and their players headed for the quarter-finals, where they lost 5-2 to hosts and eventual runners-up France at the Stade de France. What he would give for another famous win against England.

Grealish and Rice prepare for hostile return

Caretaker manager Carsley represented Ireland as a player, as did two of those who could feature for England at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Jack Grealish played for the Republic up to the Under-21 level but then turned down a senior call-up to play for England. Even more annoying for Ireland was Declan Rice's turnaround. The 25-year-old represented the Republic in three senior friendlies before joining England in February 2019. Both are sure to receive a hostile reception in Dublin.

Hell for Evan

Evan Ferguson's international career has been frustratingly mixed. The Brighton striker made his debut as a substitute in a friendly against Norway in November 2022 at the age of 18 and has scored three goals in his first eight appearances. However, persistent injuries have prevented him from making much of his 12 appearances so far and Hallgrimsson will hope he reaches the fitness he needs to fulfil his undoubted potential.

Can England impress in their new guise?

Carsley claims he did not consider a permanent position, but immediately tried to mould the England team in his image. “It was important to put my own stamp on it, while also recognising what the players have done in the past when we have become so close,” he said at the squad launch last week. “I thought it was important to bring in some fresh faces and put our own stamp on the squad.” Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes, Tino Livramento and Noni Madueke, who have yet to play an international, have all been included in his new squad and are pushing to make their debuts in the next few days.

Hoping for another encounter without incident

In 1995, the Emerald Isle witnessed one of the darkest nights in English football history when a so-called friendly match was abandoned after just 27 minutes after chairs, wood and iron bars were thrown onto the pitch. It later emerged that the far-right group Combat 18 were involved in the match. When England returned to Dublin in 2015, there were fears that there might be further trouble, but the match passed without incident in the stands. Fans heeded the FA's warning not to sing inflammatory songs – something the governing body has not done this time. All involved will hope to avoid ugly scenes on Saturday.