90min

The Republic of Ireland Lineup That Should Start Against England

By Max Parsons

Stephen Kenny will hope for a memorable first win as Ireland boss against England
Stephen Kenny will hope for a memorable first win as Ireland boss against England / Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
facebooktwitterreddit

Republic of Ireland will be aiming for a famous first win at Wembley Stadium when they face their old foes England on Thursday evening.

Stephen Kenny will send his players out onto the pitch to upset the odds, and here is the team we at 90min think he should field.

1. Goalkeeper and Defenders

Seamus Coleman looks set to captain the Irish side
Seamus Coleman looks set to captain the Irish side / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Darren Randolph (GK): Kenny's number one will edge closer to his 50th Ireland cap on Thursday night.

Seamus Coleman (RB): The Everton right back seems a cert to play and captain the side after returning from injury.

John Egan (CB): The Solid Sheffield United centre back has impressed since his side's promotion to the Premier League, and seems likely to start for Ireland.

Shane Duffy (CB): The omnipresent defender will, as usual, provide the experience at the back for Ireland. He'll be looking to put his rocky club form behind him on Thursday.

Ryan Manning (LB): With Enda Stevens injured, Kenny doesn't have many options at left back, which could result in a debut for Swansea's Manning.

2. Midfielders

Connor Hourihane in action for Ireland
Connor Hourihane in action for Ireland / Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Jeff Hendrick (CM): The Newcastle man will provide attacking impetus from midfield for Ireland.

Connor Hourihane (CM): A fixture in the Ireland team in recent years, the Aston Villa midfielder can offer solidity and creativity in the middle.

Jayson Molumby (CM): There are high hopes for the young Brighton player among Ireland fans, and they can expect to see him get another chance to shine on Thursday.

3. Forwards

McClean will likely deputise for Connolly
McClean will likely deputise for Connolly / James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images

Daryl Horgan (RW): The Wycombe winger looks set to make it two consecutive starts for his country, and win his ninth cap.

Adam Idah (ST): The 19-year old Norwich forward is yet to score for his country, and with David McGoldrick retiring from international football it is certainly time for him to step up.

James McClean (LW): The Stoke man will likely replace the injured Aaron Connolly on the left. The 31-year-old has played 75 times for his country, scoring ten goals.