Declan Rice scored for England as Lee Carsley earned his first win as interim manager with a 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

The Arsenal midfielder, who had previously earned three caps for Ireland, capitalized on a loose ball to beat Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher just 11 minutes into the match.

Rice also assisted Jack Grealish, a former Ireland youth international, in extending England’s lead, giving the Three Lions a strong start to their UEFA Nations League campaign.

In his 59th appearance for England, it was the first time Rice both scored and provided an assist in the same game. “It was really good; it was the manager’s first game and we got the win,” Rice told ITV after the match.

“We’re in a lower league than where we want to be, so it’s crucial to win this group. Scoring alongside Jack was a great feeling as well.”

This match marked England’s first game without Gareth Southgate at the helm for eight years, offering a fresh beginning with Carsley in charge.

“It’s been really refreshing this week—Lee has been fantastic to work with, his meetings have been excellent, and the training has been very good,” Rice said. “It’s a new start, a change, and getting off to a winning start for him and for ourselves was the main goal.”