Former Republic of Ireland striker John Aldridge believes the Irish team will “go back to basics” under new manager Heimir Hallgrimsson.
The 57-year-old was appointed in July, ending an eight-month search for a permanent successor to Stephen Kenny.
His first game in charge will be against beaten Euro 2024 finalists England at the Aviva Stadium in the Nations League on Saturday.
Aldridge told BBC Radio Ulster that it is a tall order for the Republic to start Hallgrimsson’s reign with a win.
“It will be tough. We don’t know what the new manager’s tactics are going to be like. I presume we’ll go back to basics and put them under pressure at home,” he said.
“Obviously, you want to pass the ball but mix it up too and I think he might be going that way.”
‘It could be another Stuttgart with a bit of luck’
Aldridge, who won 69 caps for the Republic, lauded the attacking options available to Lee Carsley, who has taken charge of England on a temporary basis following Gareth’s Southgate’s departure.
Carsley, himself a former Republic of Ireland international, can call upon the likes of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Ollie Watkins amongst others in his first squad.
“England, if they click going forward with the players they have, they are absolutely tremendous. They’re probably the best set of forwards in world football, attacking wise,” he said.
“You need to keep them at bay first of all and defend really well in numbers and hit them on the break,” Aldridge added.
“I don’t think you can play an open game with England. It might be different under Lee, but over the years England haven’t played open football, they’re quite tentative at times.”
Aldridge was part of a Republic of Ireland side who beat England in Stuttgart at Euro 1988, courtesy of Ray Houghton’s goal.
He predicts a raucous reception for Hallgrimsson and his side at the Aviva, and he hopes they can upset the odds as the Republic did 36 years ago.
“The atmosphere will be brilliant, the fans will be up for it certainly and you never know it could be another Stuttgart with a little bit of luck.”
