Republic of Ireland vs England: Team News, Predicted Lineups, TV & Stream Info
Games between England and the Republic of Ireland are much like a cliche about public transport.
We waited almost 20 years for one, and within the space of two seasons, we've got another.
These sides last met Wembley back in May 2013 and now Roy Hodgson takes his team to Dublin for a showdown against Martin O'Neill's men.
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Much has changed since that 1-1 draw. Frank Lampard scored for England that day, but he has since retired from international football, as has his former Chelsea team-mate Ashley Cole, who started at left-back.
In fact, of Hodgson's 18-man squad that day, just seven were named in his 23-man squad for the trip to the Aviva Stadium.
The Irish have a new manager, too, with O'Neill not appointed until November 2013.
It means that while these two countries are familiar foes, there is an air of the unknown about this game.
From an English perspective, Hodgson continues with his rebuilding of the national team following their dismal showing at the 2014 World Cup.
England failed to win a game in Brazil but have since been unbeaten as they attempt to qualify for the 2016 European Championship in France.
Ireland are on a rebuilding mission of their own under O'Neill and will be using this game as a means to prepare for their showdown with Scotland—a game that will go a long way toward deciding their own European Championship fate.
This fixture may well be a friendly—but only in name.
Date: Sunday, June 7
Time: 1 p.m. BST/8 a.m. ET
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
TV Info: ITV1 (UK only)/beINsports 2 (U.S. only)
Live Stream: ITV Player
Team News
Tom Cleverley was recently added to the England squad after Ryan Mason was forced out through injury.
There have been no other changes to the players available to Hodgson, although Adam Lallana has missed training in the buildup to be with his pregnant wife.
With a fully fit squad available, Hodgson's biggest decision will be to decide who starts up front: Charlie Austin or Jamie Vardy? Both players are hoping to make their England debuts.
As for Ireland, Robbie Keane has been training with the team after arriving late from LA Galaxy.
The only injury concern is Paul McShane, who is still trying to recover from the gashed leg he suffered playing for Hull City against Manchester United on the final day of the Premier League season.
Last 5 Games
| October 11 | Ireland 7-0 Gibraltar |
| October 14 | Germany 1-1 Ireland |
| November 14 | Scotland 1-0 Ireland |
| November 18 | Ireland 4-1 USA |
| March 29 | Ireland 1-1 Poland |
| October 12 | Estonia 0-1 England |
| November 15 | England 3-1 Slovenia |
| November 18 | Scotland 1-3 England |
| March 27 | England 4-0 Lithuania |
| March 31 | Italy 1-1 England |
Players to Watch
Aiden McGeady
Ireland have a few tricky talents in their squad but none trickier than Aiden McGeady.
The Everton man is a wily customer, and lining up on the right side of an attacking midfield three, he'll look to cause Ryan Bertrand problems at left-back.
With his Everton team-mate Seamus Coleman set to offer support, it could prove to be a busy afternoon for the left side of the Three Lions team.
That will certainly be an area that Ireland look to exploit, and McGeady will be at the heart of everything they produce.
Charlie Austin
Roy Hodgson has made good on his promise to pick players who are in form and not necessarily the same old names we see in his England squads.
Charlie Austin enjoyed a fine season at Queens Park Rangers. Despite his team's relegation from the Premier League, the striker scored 18 goals in his debut campaign in the top flight.
It's a remarkable figure, considering QPR found the back of the net just 42 times, meaning Austin's tally accounted for just under half of their return.
He wasted no time making a name for himself in the Premier League, so we can expect Austin to do the same against Ireland.
He's playing against some familiar faces in the Ireland team, so while it may be international football, it isn't going to feel like it.
Prediction
Republic of Ireland 1-3 England
Odds
Home win: 3/1
Away win: 11/10
Draw: 12/5
First goalscorer: Charlie Austin 5/1
*Odds via Oddschecker
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