The Three Lions have fared remarkably well after the debacle at Brazil during the World Cup 2014. Since then England have not suffered even a single defeat and Roy Hodgson is set to hand international debuts to the likes of Jamie Vardy and Charlie Austin in the upcoming game, both of whom have experienced a meteoric rise in recent years.
Charlie Austin of QPR in particular has had a very productive season which has seen him register 17 Premier League goals for the relegated outfit. Hodgson is eager to give Austin a chance to prove his worth but has insisted that he might not be able to guarantee him a regular spot.
"We have always had our eye on Austin but, up to this point, we have had the full quota of forward players," Hodgson told reporters.
"But we now have space there because of the injury to [Daniel] Sturridge and we don't have Kane, Ings or Berahino on this occasion.
"He will get an opportunity to show us what he can do in training and in matches, though I can't promise him a game. I am pleased to welcome him into the fold. I have heard good things about him and know he is a good player."
Jamie Vardy on the other hand has had an astonishing uprising himself and within a span of three years has grown from a non-league player to an internationally recognized one.
"He is another player, alongside Austin, that will be nice to get to know him better," Hodgson said speaking of the Leicester City forward.
Raheem Sterling who has had a turbulent few weeks owing to the growing speculation about his future has also been included in the squad. With Jack Butland set to feature for the England U-21, Tom Heaton who started every Premier League game for Burnley in the recently concluded season has also been included in the squad.
Following their fixture in Dublin, the Three Lions are then set to go against Ljubljana in a European Championship qualifier.
Ireland on the other hand have been on a decent run themselves, having conceded a defeat in just one of their last five games. They were against Poland in their last outing a match which ended 1-1 thanks to an injury time equalizer from Shane Long.
Paul McShane is a doubt for Ireland, Fabian Delph who took part in the FA Cup final against Arsenal is expected to be fit for the tie despite of missing training on Thursday.
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