Lee Carsley’s tenure as England manager got off to an embarrassing start after he sat in the wrong dugout at the Aviva Stadium.
Gareth Southgate’s temporary replacement represented Ireland on 40 occasions during a distinguished playing career but has cut his coaching teeth with the Three Lions Under-21 side.
Carsley saw the funny side of things as he was ushered away from the home dugout in a mishap that evoked memories of Ron Atkinson’s bungled start to his Nottingham Forest managerial tenure many years ago.
The former Everton midfielder regained his composure in time for the start of the national anthems and, as expected, opted against singing God Save the King.
Saturday’s Nations League opener marked the start of a new era just 55 days after England lost a second successive European Championship final.
Southgate called time on his eight-year reign after the narrow loss to Spain, with Carsley promoted to caretaker senior boss as the Football Association considers its next steps.
The 50-year-old’s first match in charge came against familiar opposition, adding extra spice to a fixture that also saw Declan Rice and Jack Grealish return to the Emerald Isle.
Rice won three senior caps for the Republic before switching allegiance to England, shortly after Grealish did the same having represented Ireland up until under-21 level.
Both players were jeered from the off but Rice provided the perfect response, scoring the opening goal of the contest after just 11 minutes.
The Arsenal midfielder refused to celebrate and rub salt into the wounds but the gesture had no effect on the supporters who continued to jeer his every touch.
Asked prior to the game if he has any concerns about playing Rice or Grealish at the Aviva Stadium, Carsley said: ‘No, not all.
‘We spoke – not only (to) Jack and Declan, to the whole squad – we spoke about the atmosphere we expect it to be.
‘Exciting, passionate, loud, but it’ll be no different to what the players are used to in Premier League games or high level games. I think they’ll be ready for whatever comes out.’
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