IREL BE DAMNED
How England lined up last time they faced Ireland with forgotten Arsenal star coming off bench and hero making debut
The starting XI deployed that night by Gareth Southgate will baffle Three Lions fans
ENGLAND face the Republic of Ireland for the first time in four years this weekend.
But the team set to face The Boys in Green in the Nations League on Saturday night will be drastically different to the one fielded by former manager Gareth Southgate during Covid.
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The Three Lions welcomed the Irish to Wembley for the first time in seven years in November 2020.
And just ONE of the starting XI deployed that night by Southgate is still a regular on the teamsheet.
Southgate opted to go for a 4-3-3 for the visit of the Irish, during which he called on the services of goalkeeper Nick Pope.
Harry Maguire skippered the side in a defence which also included Michael Keane, Tyrone Mings and Reece James.
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The midfield that night comprised of Bukayo Saka, Mason Mount and Harry Winks.
And Southgate opted to go for a front three of Jack Grealish, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jadon Sancho.
The bench that night at Wembley, which was empty due to Covid, makes for interesting viewing.
Dean Henderson, Phil Foden, Tammy Abraham and Ainsley Maitland-Niles were all subs but were introduced at various points in the second half.
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A future Real Madrid star was also on the bench that night.
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That Real star, of course, is none other than Jude Bellingham - who came off the bench in the 73rd minute to replace Mason Mount.
Southgate said of the then-17-year-old's display: "We wanted to give Jude Bellingham 20 minutes or so to give him a feel of it.
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"He was nervous at the start, it's a huge occasion to come with the team at his age and be as mature as he has been with us.
"You saw as it developed he settled and got into the game. That's the experience we wanted to give him."
The inclusion of former Arsenal star Maitland-Niles will come as a shock to Three Lions fans.
But the current Lyon ace looked like a promising defensive prospect four years ago, although he hasn't lived up to his early potential and has only made five appearances for his country.
England dispatched of the Irish with ease that night, running out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Maguire, Sancho and Calvert-Lewin.
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England's trip to Dublin this weekend will mark their first outing since Southgate resigned from his role following their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
Under-21s coach Lee Carsley is in interim charge of The Three Lions while the FA searches for a permanent successor for Southgate.
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