PARIS, NOV 18 – England beat the Republic of Ireland, who played with 10 players, 5-0 to advance to the top division of the Nations League which saw four players score their first international goals, yesterday.
The Euro 2024 runners-up confirmed top spot in Group B2 in Lee Carsley’s last game as interim coach before the arrival of Thomas Tuchel as new manager.
“I want England to be an exciting team to watch,” said Carsley ITV.
“I can only do what is in my control. It’s not a bet with some players, they are players who have performed brilliantly.”
Greece finished in second place despite a 2-0 win over Finland in the other group game and will advance to the match playoffs in March.
England struggled to break down Ireland’s tight defense in the first half at Wembley, with Noni Madueke twice blocked after dangerous attempts into the box.
The result changed just after the break when Liam Scales brought down Jude Bellingham following a lovely pass from Harry Kane, giving England a penalty and Scales receiving a red card for a second bookable offence.
Kane came forward to take the penalty kick and managed to score past Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
England doubled their lead in the 56th minute, after Tino Livramento’s cross was volleyed home by Newcastle team-mate Anthony Gordon who fired home his first international goal.
Carsley’s side added their third goal within five minutes when Conor Gallagher finished off Marc Guehi’s header from a corner, marking his country’s first goal. – AFP