Stephen Kenny’s Ireland side face a daunting task against the side ranked number four in the World in Wembley stadium this evening.
Kenny goes in search of his first win in his sixth game as Ireland manager having drawn three and lost one nations league games and bowing out on penalties to Slovakia in the Euro 2020 play-offs.
Ireland have been hit with a number of injuries ahead of their tonight’s games and international matches against Wales and Bulgaria.
Striker Aaron Connolly and defender Enda Stevens have pulled out of the squad through injury whilst striker Callum Robinson has left camp after his positive COVID-19 test.
Sean Maguire has come into the squad and Swansea City midfielder Ryan Manning will link up with the squad after the England match.
“The bigger picture has always been the World Cup qualifiers but Ireland have never won in Wembley” explained Kenny.
“We’ve won twice against England, once in Stuttgart and once in Goodison (Park) 70-odd years ago, so it has been a long time."
“England are in good form and we have played well at times, against Slovakia particularly, so we are looking forward to going there and we want to perform well. The players are very committed.”
The last time the sides met in Wembley saw a one-one draw with Frank Lampard cancelling out Shane Long’s opener, while Ireland have noticeably regressed since the 2013 encounter, England have progress with a fourth place finish at the 2018 World Cup and third place in the 2019 nations league.
"I have great memories of our last trip to Wembley of course. It was a massive game and a great result for us” explained Ireland captain Seamus Coleman.
“Shane Long's header that night was fantastic. Having the fans there and a massive support behind us is something we're going to miss out on now but it's a massive game.”
"England will obviously be favourites coming into the game and we've got to be ready for that. Regardless of who you play, whether it is England or Slovakia, I'm sure the lads will be up for it like they are every game when you put on the green shirt."
Republic of Ireland Squad Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (West Ham United), Caoimhín Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth)
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Kevin Long (Burnley), Shane Duffy (Celtic), John Egan (Sheffield United), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Cyrus Christie (Nottingham Forest).
Midfielders: Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), James McCarthy (Crystal Palace), Harry Arter (Nottingham Forest), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Jayson Molumby (Brighton and Hove Albion), Robbie Brady (Burnley), Jack Byrne* (Shamrock Rovers), Ryan Manning* (Swansea City).
Attackers: James McClean (Stoke City), Adam Idah (Norwich City), James Collins (Luton Town), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City), Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers), Sean Maguire (Preston North End).
