ENGLAND……………….5
REP. OF IRELAND……0
England marked their return to the top tier of the Nations League in style, thumping the Republic of Ireland 5-0 at Wembley in Lee Carsley’s final game as interim manager. Carsley, who will hand over to Thomas Tuchel in January, leaves with an impressive record of five wins from six matches, including a dominant second-half display that saw England run riot after a goalless first half.
The breakthrough came just after the interval when Harry Kane converted a penalty, awarded after his brilliant pass set up Jude Bellingham, who was fouled by Liam Scales. The foul earned Scales a second yellow card and a red card, leaving Ireland down to 10 men.
England took full advantage of their numerical superiority, with Anthony Gordon scoring his first goal for the national team just two minutes later. The Newcastle winger reacted quickest to a cross from debutant Tino Livramento, who was unchallenged by the Irish defence.
As the visitors crumbled, Conor Gallagher and substitute Jarrod Bowen also netted their first senior international goals. Gallagher pounced on a flicked-on corner from Marc Guehi in the 58th minute, while Bowen marked his introduction with a clinical finish past goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher 15 minutes from time.
There was more to come as Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who is married to the daughter of former Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane, made his debut and sealed England’s fifth with a header from a corner.
Carsley’s tenure as interim manager ended as it began—with a comprehensive win over Ireland, the country he had represented as a player. While his time in charge was not without criticism, particularly for his puzzling selection in the October defeat to Greece and mixed messages about his future, these final two victories—one in Athens and the other here in Wembley—allowed him to leave with his head held high.
The match was a far cry from the first half, which featured no shots on target and little to excite the crowd. But once Kane’s superb pass led to the penalty and Scales’ red card, the game completely shifted, and England showed their class.
Carsley now returns to his role as England Under-21s coach, with the Football Association grateful for his work amid the uncertainty surrounding Tuchel’s appointment. More importantly, his results ensure that the new manager will take over with England already secure in the Nations League top tier, avoiding the looming play-offs in March.
