Image source, Getty Images

Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman hopes to capitalise on the emotional side of the game against England but insists he will approach Saturday’s eagerly awaited Nations League match with a “smart head”.

The 35-year-old Irish captain has already played in two friendlies against England and is expected to lead his team in a competitive match against the Three Lions for the first time this weekend.

Coleman missed the Republic of Ireland’s 3-0 friendly defeat to England at Wembley Stadium in 2020, having played in the 1-1 draw at the same venue in 2013 and the goalless draw in Dublin two years later.

“You can certainly bring in the emotional side of it but I think that’s always the case when you pull on the green shirt for Ireland, to be honest,” said Coleman, who is about to win his 73rd international cap.

“As much as it’s about this historic game and having our rivals England coming, for us boys we’re representing our country. And we’re incredibly proud to do that.”

“We can also appeal to the emotional side, whether it’s England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, because you’re playing for your country. Hopefully we can do that in a positive way tomorrow, but it can’t just be about overflowing emotions, you definitely have to think smartly too.”