WEMBLEY — Lee Carsley signed off in style as England thrashed the Republic of Ireland to ensure promotion from their Nations League group.
England struggled to break down a determined Irish defence in the first-half but Liam Scales’s dismissal for a foul on Jude Bellingham shortly after the restart prompted a flurry of goals.
Harry Kane scored the first from the penalty spot and further strikes from Anthony Gordon and Conor Gallagher before the hour mark put the hosts in a commanding position.
Substitutes Jarrod Bowen and debutant Taylor Harwood-Bellis turned it into a rout with goals in the final 15 minutes ensuring that Carsley ended his term as interim boss with five wins from six games in charge.
Here’s how the players rated:
Jordan Pickford – 6/10
May as well have sat in the stands. Made his only save in the 78th minute – a straightforward one at that – and was only needed sparingly to sweep up long balls forward.
Tino Livramento – 7/10
Enjoyed a solid debut and made the second goal with a determined driving run and cross from the touchline. Neat and tidy throughout.
Kyle Walker – 7/10
Made a vital intervention to stop Szmodics from running through and performed well in an unfamiliar central role in a back four.
Marc Guehi – 7/10
Had a good tussle with Evan Ferguson and shaded the battle against the Brighton striker. Has established himself as a permanent fixture in defence in 2024.
Lewis Hall – 7/10
Offered welcome width on the left and delivered an assured display on his first start. Has done enough to earn another look in the new year given England’s left-back shortage.
Conor Gallagher – 8/10
Effectively played the Declan Rice role in midfield and shuttled the ball around efficiently. Made some surging runs and scored his first England goal after ghosting in at the back post.
Jude Bellingham – 8/10
Did everything but score. Won the penalty for the first goal and set up the fourth and fifth ones in an influential display. Will miss England’s first World Cup qualifier – and Thomas Tuchel’s maiden match – after a needless booking for dissent.
Curtis Jones – 7/10
Another promising display on his second cap. Adds energy, guile and a silky touch to the midfield and could well have played his way into Thomas Tuchel’s thinking.
Noni Madueke – 6/10
A lively presence on the right wing and saw plenty of the ball but occasionally haphazard with his end product. Was overshadowed by Bowen who replaced him towards the end.
Anthony Gordon – 7/10
In the right place at the right time to double England’s lead with a smartly taken volley for his first senior goal.
Harry Kane – 7/10
Drilled a ludicrously good pass into Bellingham’s path which led to the penalty and then converted it with aplomb. Booked for a petulant shove on Molumby.
Substitutes:
Taylor Harwood-Bellis (on for Walker 62′): Headed in the fifth goal to cap a dream debut.
Jarrod Bowen (on for Madueke 75′): Scored an excellent first-time finish with his first touch. Could have ended up with a hat-trick.
Dominic Solanke (on for Gallagher 75′)
Morgan Rogers (on for Gordon 75′)
Angel Gomes (on for Jones 79′)
Source: https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/england-ireland-player-ratings-jude-bellingham-3385227
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