Lee Carsley says he has no concerns about playing Declan Rice or Jack Grealish at the Aviva Stadium as the former Republic of Ireland international prepares to lead England out as interim manager for the first time in Saturday's UEFA Nations League opener.
After Gareth Southgate called time on his eight-year England reign following the narrow loss to Spain in July's Euro 2024 final, Under-21s boss Carsley was promoted to caretaker senior boss as the FA considers its next steps.
The 50-year-old's first match in charge comes against the country he represented 40 times as a player, adding extra spice to a fixture that also sees Rice and Grealish return to Ireland.
Rice won three senior caps for the Boys in Green before switching allegiance to England, shortly after Grealish did the same, having represented Ireland up until under-21 level.
Asked whether he has any concerns about playing them 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.
England manager Lee Carsley expects to face a "highly-motivated, energetic" Irish side at the Aviva Stadium #IRLENG #COYBIG #rtesoccer #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/9pqPNexY97
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) September 6, 2024
"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."
Quizzed on what reception he expects back in Ireland, the interim England boss said: "I'm not sure, to be honest. Probably the same.
"But if the reception that we had off the kids outside (the hotel) was anything to go by it will be very positive."
Carsley was in relaxed mood at Carton House where England are based for this match.
He was respectful about Ireland throughout and said he would "calmly enjoy" any late winner at the Aviva Stadium, where he said he feels honoured to be returning as interim England manager.
"Proud," Carsley said of his emotions heading into the game. "It's not something that I thought that much about until recently.
"I think when I saw the draw I obviously was fully focused on the under-21s, and I thought that 'that's going to be a good game'.
"I didn't realise obviously until two weeks ago that I was actually going to be here, so I am excited by it.
"It's not something I'm overawed by. I'm excited with the challenge. I've got a lot of confidence in the players. I think they'll enjoy the atmosphere.
"It's a good game for them to come back to off the back of a big disappointment, so hopefully we can perform."
Lee Carsley recalls an "up and down" playing career with Ireland, a coaching career where he feels "highly supported" - and a "very informal" chat with the FAI on the then vacant Irish post #IRLENG #COYBIG #rtesoccer #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/eMNJ3BSLm7
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) September 6, 2024
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