This was England’s first game for eight years without Southgate in charge, following his resignation two days after defeat in this summer’s European Championship final.
Under-21 boss Carsley has been given the role on a temporary basis while the Football Association searches for a permanent successor, who will be charged with ending England men’s long wait for a major trophy.
Fans were craving exciting, attractive, front-foot football, and Carsley’s team delivered that in an absorbing first-half display that blew the Republic of Ireland away.
Trent Alexander-Arnold marked his return to the side after being dropped during Euro 2024 with a solid performance at right-back, while Anthony Gordon – limited to one late substitute appearance in Germany – looked threatening out wide.
There was a zip and a swagger to how England went about their business before half-time, and although they tailed off after the break, there were plenty of positives.
It was an indication of their control that they were able to send on Morgan Gibbs-White and Angel Gomes for their senior debuts.
The pre-match talk was dominated by headlines about Carsley not singing the national anthem, something he consistently not done either as a player for the Republic of Ireland or as coach of England Under-21s.
By the end, all that England fans were talking about was a highly promising performance.
