Heimir Hallgrimsson's new era spoiled by couple of old friends

Heimir Hallgrimsson's reign as Ireland manager started with a defeat as England enjoyed a well-earned 2-0 victory in the UEFA Nations League encounter at Aviva Stadium.

A bright start from the home side, but it was the visitors who quickly took control and they made their superiority count in the 11th minute as former Ireland international, Declan Rice, opened the scoring.

And sure enough, it was another former Ireland underage international, Jack Grealish, who would add a second in the 26th minute to hand interim England manager Lee Carsley an opening win.

There was a lot of booing at Lansdowne Road as the game finally got going a few minutes after the scheduled kick-off time; Rice was booed, Grealish was booed, God Save the King was barely audible such was the impassioned booing by some among the home support, and then, eventually, the full-house as Carsley appeared on the big screen.

Granted, the vitriol towards the England manager, and former Ireland midfield, was not half as venomous as that spat out at Rice and Grealish, and then, sure enough, within 20 seconds of kick-off, Jayson Molumby attempted to set the tone with the first challenge as he slammed into the back of Kobbie Mainoo – they cheered that one.

It was a bright start from the Irish as an early corner offered an opening chance as Molumby headed over at the back post – a tough ask to convert as the ball came at pace and with a wicked deflection.

It took England about seven minutes to settle but then the visiting side took control as the packed stadium got an introduction to England's dynamic left flank as Anthony Gordon was sent flying forward, and while the ball into the box went too deep, it was helped back and an unmarked Harry Kane should have hit target