Heimir Hallgrimsson's Nice blueprint for daunting England test

The stage is set for a new chapter in Irish football, with Heimir Hallgrimsson at the helm for his first match as Ireland's manager.

Tomorrow, in front of a sold-out Aviva Stadium, Hallgrímsson will face the daunting task of leading Ireland against an England team packed with talent.

But for Hallgrimsson, this isn't just another game - or even his first game in charge of Ireland - it's a chance to rekindle a spark that ignited during the 2016 European Championships when his Iceland side stunned England 2-1 in one of the tournament's most memorable upsets.

That night in Nice remains etched in the memory of English and Icelandic football fans alike.

Hallgrimsson’s Iceland team, with just 32% possession, played the game pragmatically, making the most of setpieces and defending resolutely.

Aron Gunnarsson's long throw led to Iceland’s equaliser, and the winning goal came from a clinical moment on the edge of England’s box.

England dominated in possession, passes and shots, but it was Iceland’s organisation, belief and gameplan that saw them through, leading to Roy Hodgson’s immediate resignation as England manager.

Tomorrow’s Nations League clash requires a similarly practical approach from Ireland under Hallgrimsson.

While the game might not be aesthetically pleasing at times from an Irish perspective, it will be an intriguing battle of wills, tactics, and perhaps, with blind optimism, a throwback to that night in Nice.

Hallgrimsson’s famous victory in 2016 serves as both a reminder and a template for how his Ireland team might approach tomorrow’s game.

Iceland’s performance back then was a masterclass in pragmatism - solid, disciplined, and opportunistic.

With half as many shots and passes as their opponents, and committing double