England head into Sunday’s game against the Republic of Ireland knowing that a victory will send them straight back into League A of the UEFA Nations League.

Lee Carsley’s brief tenure in charge will be remembered pretty fondly if his side get the business done at Wembley, with an impressive 3-0 win over Greece in Athens ensuring the Three Lions avenged an embarrassing defeat in October.

The interim boss has proven himself to be a gambler, and his decision to omit record-goalscorer Harry Kane in favour of Ollie Watkins on Thursday paid dividends. How brave will he be with his team selection for his final game in charge?

Here’s how England could line up against Ireland in the Nations League on Sunday.

GK: Jordan Pickford – Perhaps his dropping against Finland last month gave Pickford the kick up the backside he needed, because he was brilliant on Thursday night and should keep his place.

RB: Kyle Walker – Pep Guardiola likely won’t be too pleased if Walker starts again given the injuries the right-back has dealt with this season. Still, the veteran full-back is an experienced head and should play some part.

CB: Taylor Harwood-Bellis – Walker didn’t exactly excel at centre-back in the second half on Thursday, so Carsley could hand an England debut to Southampton’s Harwood-Bellis against Ireland.

CB: Marc Guehi – Guehi has generally been brilliant for the national team when called upon, and he’s going to be needed here given that he may be partnered by a debutant.

LB: Lewis Hall – The Newcastle full-back came off the bench on Thursday for his maiden cap and is in contention for a first England start. Offers the Three Lions natural width down the left.

CM: Curtis Jones – Liverpool supporters are desperate for Carsley to offer their in-form midfielder respite on Sunday, but how can he dropped after the outstanding performance in Athens?

CM: Angel Gomes – By including Gomes and partnering him with Jones, Carsley would be rekindling the midfield pivot that helped his Under-21s team to European glory in 2023.

RM: Noni Madueke – Madueke entered the break in relatively indifferent form, but played with a swagger in Athens after teeing up the opener. Should be preferred to Jarrod Bowen at Wembley.

AM: Jude Bellingham – Bellingham doubtlessly benefitted from Watkins’ willingness to stretch the pitch last time out, with the Real Madrid star often enjoying the freedom of Athens to roam between Greek lines.

LM: Anthony Gordon – England don’t look half-bad with a balanced left flank, with Gordon’s running and variation when attacking defenders one-v-one proving to be handy asset.

ST: Harry Kane – Kane is said to have taken his benching in the most professional way possible, but there’s no doubt he want to start and score goals. Carsley has already suggested the captain will return.

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