Don’t look now, but we are less than a month away from Ireland’s return to competitive action.
The men’s national team have not played a competitive game since November of last year, playing in only four friendlies since then. Of course, all of those fixtures were played under the tutelage of an interim manager, with John O’Shea taking charge as the FAI continued the search for Stephen Kenny’s successor.
That process wold ultimately end with the appointment of Heimir Hallgrimsson, who will be in charge of the team for the first time when they face England in the UEFA Nations League in Dublin on September 7th.
With that game just a few weeks away, here’s our prediction for the Ireland team that will be selected on the day.
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Predicting Heimir Hallgrimsson’s Ireland Team Vs England
Formation – 4-4-2
Heimir Hallgrimsson used quite a few different formations during his time in charge of Jamaica. The majority of them featured four at the back, although he did move to a three-man defence for the Copa America earlier this summer.
That is a system Ireland have used quite a bit over the last few years, although largely mixed results.
As the Icelandic boss attempts to instil his philosophy in the group, he may well opt to go with a solid 4-4-2 against a talented England team.
GK – Caoimhín Kelleher
This is a no-brainer. Kelleher looks set to remain as the no. 2 at Liverpool next season as things stand, but he will be Ireland’s first choice goalkeeper for the UEFA Nations League campaign.
That is a position he likely would have held in any case on the back of his form last season, although Gavin Bazunu’s long-term injury ensures that he will play against England if he is fit and available.
RB – Seamus Coleman
Seamus Coleman may be getting on a bit in terms of age, but he remains a hugely important part of the Ireland team.
He is certain to start against England, where his organisation and leadership will be vital if the home side are to secure an unlikely positive result.
CB – Jake O’Brien
Ireland have a wealth of options in this position, meaning Hallgrimsson will have a big decision to make on who to start in the England game. That is especially true if he plays 4-4-2, leaving room for only two conventional centre backs in the starting XI.
Jake O’Brien surely has to be given an opportunity to start, having been the most in-form Irish centre back in the game last season. He impressed during his first two caps back in June.
The Cork man is also a threat in both boxes, something the Ireland manager is known to value in his players.
CB – Nathan Collins
Dara O’Shea and Nathan Collins are the other names in the frame for this position, although you would expect that Collins would have the edge.
The fact that those two players could be at the same club this season might also make Hallgrimsson consider using this duo as his starting centre back pair for his first game in charge.
LB – Liam Scales
Left back has become a problem position for Ireland over the last couple of seasons, with the likes of James McClean, Robbie Brady, and Callum O’Dowda largely failing to impress in the role.
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Liam Scales seems like an ideal fit, especially in a 4-4-2 system. He would offer plenty of defensive stability in the role, something that will be needed against that English attack.
The Celtic man can also get forward when called upon, although you would imagine that such opportunities would be rare in this fixture. Should he impress, he could make this spot his own in the Ireland team for the foreseeable future.
RM – Chiedozie Ogbene
Chiedozie Ogbene has been Ireland’s biggest attacking threat over the last few seasons, meaning he is certain to be included in the team if he is fit.
The Luton Town man is capable of playing in a number of different positions, although right midfield seems like the obvious choice in this particular system.
CM – Josh Cullen
Ireland’s midfield has been an issue over the last couple of years, with that being an area that Hallgrimsson will likely look to upgrade over the next year or so.
Josh Cullen remains an integral part of the Irish team, but his form at club and international level has been a concern since the start of last season.
CM – Will Smallbone
Will Smallbone is a promising player, even his relative lack of physicality is a concern in a two-man midfield. Still, he is the best option at Ireland’s disposal at the minute.
His ability from dead balls could also be important, with Hallgrimsson placing a huge emphasis on that area of the game.
LM – Robbie Brady
It will be interesting to see who is selected in this position. Sammie Szmodics is an option, although he is more effective in central areas. Mikey Johnston is another one, although his lack of defensive discipline would be a concern against England.
We would not be surprised to see Robbie Brady start against England. Not only can he contribute in the defensive third, but he can also offer a left-footed option as a set-piece taker.
ST – Sammie Szmodics
Sammie Szmodics has looked very impressive during his handful of appearances for Ireland up to this point, despite the fact that he has been played out of position as a wide player.
It would be interesting to see what he could do in a more central position, especially as part of a two-man front line.
ST – Evan Ferguson
Even Ferguson has returned to the Brighton training during pre-season after his recent injury layoff, meaning he is all but certain to start for Ireland in this game.
The striker’s form dropped off quite a bit in the second half of last season, although some of that may have been down to his fitness issues.
He is certain to be a key part of the Ireland side under the new manager.
The Team In Full
This would be an interesting team, one that would feature two competitive debutants in the form of Jake O’Brien and Sammie Szmodics.
A number of other players will also be in the mix for selection, while the formation that is used will also have a big influence on who ultimately makes the starting XI.
It will be a massive task against England, but Heimir Hallgrimsson will be hoping to see some positive signs for the future during his first game in charge.
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