Interim England boss Lee Carsley says the Three Lions need “to make sure we get the job done” and beat the Republic of Ireland to earn promotion back to the top tier of the Nations League.
Carsley will take charge of his sixth and final match in his temporary spell as manager before Thomas Tuchel takes over at the start of 2025.
England beat Greece 3-0 in Athens on Thursday and will win Group B2 if they defeat Ireland at Wembley on Sunday (kick-off 17:00 GMT), with Carsley then set to return to his position in charge of the under-21s.
“In terms of the future, my priority is making sure we get the job done,” said Carsley. “We are fully respectful of Ireland and the strengths they have, so we have to make sure we approach the game properly.”
England will be without Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa after he suffered a hip injury against Greece and has returned to his club.
“He has been assessed by the medical team,” added Carsley on Saturday. “The scan results are back and now he’ll go back to Villa this afternoon. We won’t take any risk on any of the players so, apart from Ezri, we’re in good condition.”
After starting on the bench against Greece, England captain Harry Kane will return to lead the attack.
“It’s not the first time I have been a sub for England,” said the Bayern Munich striker. “Since Lee has been in charge, I have only played one game per camp.
“I always want to start every game, I have never shied away from that. We’re in a tough stage of the season.
“But whenever called upon, I will always give my all for the team, whether it’s off the bench or starting, I will always give my ultimate effort.”
‘We’ve nothing to fear’ – Hallgrimsson
Ireland won 1-0 against Finland to ensure they would not be automatically relegated in the Nations League, although they will have to face a relegation play-off in March.
“Coming from a win on Thursday, we’ve nothing to fear and we can try to play like we did in the second-half against Greece and Finland,” said Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson.
“I’ve never played at Wembley, but it’s always an honour to play in places like Wembley. It’s always an honour to play the top teams in the world and England are one.
“That helps your growth when you play the best teams. You’re up against the best individual talents in football and they will expose your weakness.”
Uncapped Charlton midfielder Conor Coventry has been called up to the Ireland squad in place of the injured Jason Knight.
‘It has been a brilliant experience’
If England beat Ireland they will finish top of their group and return to the top tier of the competition.
That will also help with the 2026 World Cup as they would have the safety net of securing a qualifying play-off for the tournament – if they do not automatically book their place in the finals, which will be held in Canada, the United States and Mexico.
Carsley took temporary charge of England after Gareth Southgate’s resignation following the Euro 2024 finals, with the Three Lions winning four and losing one of their five matches so far.
“It’s a great role,” he said. “It has been a brilliant experience, at times it has been tough. The tough times have been outweighed by nights like the other night [in Greece].
“You always question whether you can do it, in terms of the comfort zone myself and staff have been out of, which has been good.
“I try to look beyond myself. It is important for the longer-term view that the best thing for us is to get promotion. That sets us up for the draw at the World Cup. It will be more beneficial for the players than it will be for myself.”