Republic of Ireland 0-2 England: Declan Rice and Jack Grealish strike on Dublin return in routine win | OneFootball

England too strong in Lee Carsley’s first match in charge

Declan Rice and Jack Grealish scored two very unpopular goals as England cruised to a 2-0 win over Ireland, their first in Dublin since 1964.

The pair had their every touch booed by the home fans, having represented Ireland earlier in their careers before switching allegiance to England, but they had the last laugh.

Rice lashed home to open the scoring before pulling the back back for Grealish to sweep home England’s second, those providing the only goals in an opening Nations League victory for the Three Lions.

It was a successful start to life without Gareth Southgate, and it did nothing to harm Lee Carsley’s hopes of getting the full-time England job. The interim boss will remain in the dugout for Finland’s visit to Wembley next week, though it remains to be seen whether he is permanently appointed.

There was a crackling atmosphere before kick-off at the Aviva Stadium, where England's interim boss accidentally took a seat in the wrong dugout before kick-off.

Irish fans ferociously booed a rendition of 'God Save the King', before they bellowed out their own anthem.

Rice and Grealish felt the heat from the outset on their return to the Emerald Isle, where Jayson Molumby had a great chance to score a third-minute opener.

Robbie Brady swung in a corner that took a slight touch before the midfielder headed over at the far post, with England captain Harry Kane responding by heading over a chance of his own.

Sammie Szmodics was denied during a lively encounter, but England went ahead after 11 minutes as Trent Alexander-Arnold sensationally played Anthony Gordon in behind.

The forward struck straight at Caoimhin Kelleher but kept the move alive, eventually playing the ball across for Kane to get away a shot that was blocked, the ball falling for Rice to rifle into the top right-hand corner.

The Arsenal midfielder held his hands up after a goal that led to some England chants of "he's one of our own", and he was soon playing his part in the second goal.

Rice was heavily involved in a brilliant passing move that ended with him cutting the ball back for Grealish to sweep home past the statuesque Kelleher in front of the England support.

The Manchester City playmaker jumped and punched the air - quite the contrast to Rice's celebration.

That gut punch took the edge off the hostile atmosphere, although the way Hallgrimsson's side struggled to get a grip on proceedings also had an impact on the mood.

There was a blow after the break for the hosts as captain Seamus Coleman limped off, but the Republic responded well as Szmodics went close before Molumby lifted over.

Those opportunities increased the volume, as did the sight of Rice on the deck in pain as Gordon was stopped.

Grealish trotted off to a cacophony of boos as Carsley turned to his bench, with Morgan Gibbs-White and Angel Gomes coming on for their England debuts.

Jarrod Bowen and Eberechi Eze had efforts to add gloss to the scoreline, but Carsley will no doubt be pleased with a winning start to life as interim England boss.

Additional reporting by PA Sport.