England delivered a spectacular second-half efficiency to thrash the Republic of Eire 5-0 at Wembley.
It was a irritating first 45 minutes for the Three Lions, who had been shut out by the guests of their defensive form.
However Lee Carsley’s males unlocked the door early within the second half via Harry Kane, who scored from the spot after Jude Bellingham was fouled within the field.
Liam Scales was given a second yellow card for the problem, leaving the Irish all the way down to 10 males for the rest.
And it was 2-0 not lengthy after because of Anthony Gordon, who volleyed residence from fellow Newcastle team-mate Tino Livramento’s cross.
Conor Gallagher was subsequent on the scoresheet, tapping in on the again put up after Marc Guehi flicked on a nook.
And Jarrod Bowen netted simply three seconds after approaching with England producing a lovely set-piece transfer.
Debutant Taylor Harwood-Bellis received in on the motion with a thumping header to seal a well-earned victory for England.
The win sees the Three Lions transfer again into League A of the Nations League after topping their group.
A rare victory at @wembleystadium 👏
The win confirms England have topped #NationsLeague Group B2 and secured promotion to League A for 2026-27. pic.twitter.com/Uz4ctG7BXS
— England (@England) November 17, 2024
The way it occurred
The primary half was a irritating affair for England, as Eire’s defensive resilience and disciplined form stored the hosts at bay.
England held 75% of possession however might solely muster speculative efforts, none of which troubled Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
A flurry of yellow playing cards and minor scuffles highlighted a scrappy opening 45 minutes.
Nonetheless, the complexion of the sport shifted dramatically early within the second half.
The turning level got here within the 51st minute when Irish defender Liam Scales obtained a second yellow card for a foul on Jude Bellingham contained in the field.
Kane stepped as much as convert the ensuing penalty, calmly sending Kelleher the fallacious method to break the impasse.
With the person benefit, England rapidly asserted their dominance.
🏴 pic.twitter.com/NLlrBRf2VQ
— England (@England) November 17, 2024
Gordon doubled the lead within the fifty fifth minute, latching onto a deflected cross from Livramento to smash residence his first worldwide aim.
The floodgates opened as Gallagher added a 3rd simply minutes later, reacting quickest to Guehi’s flick-on from a nook to stab the ball into the roof of the online.
Substitutes added additional gloss to the scoreline.
Bowen, launched for Noni Madueke, made a direct affect within the seventy fifth minute, ending a well-crafted free-kick routine orchestrated by Bellingham.
England’s fifth and remaining aim got here from debutant Harwood-Bellis, who rose highest to move Bellingham’s pinpoint cross into the underside nook within the 79th minute.
Bellingham, regardless of not getting on the scoresheet, was central to England’s attacking efforts, contributing two assists and dictating play.
Kelleher made notable saves to disclaim Kane and Bowen late on, stopping an excellent heavier defeat for the guests.
Eire, who had provided little risk all through, might solely muster a single shot within the recreation and struggled to manage after Scales’ dismissal.
The win additionally marked a historic event for England, as 4 gamers – Gordon, Gallagher, Bowen, and Harwood-Bellis – scored their maiden worldwide targets in the identical match, a feat final achieved in 1930.
England will look to hold this momentum into the Thomas Tuchel period in 2025.