England secured promotion back to League A of the Nations League with a dominant 5-0 victory over a 10-player Republic of Ireland at Wembley, marking a triumphant conclusion to Lee Carsley’s tenure as interim manager. A second-half onslaught, featuring three goals in just six minutes, turned a competitive match into a one-sided affair, ensuring Carsley accomplished the task of restoring England to the top tier of the competition.
The breakthrough came eight minutes into the second half when Harry Kane converted a penalty following a foul on Jude Bellingham by Liam Scales, who received a second yellow card for the challenge. Kane calmly dispatched the spot-kick for his 69th international goal, igniting a goal spree that left Ireland reeling. Moments later, Anthony Gordon doubled England’s lead with a composed volley at the back post after a defensive mix-up allowed Tino Livramento to deliver an inviting cross. Conor Gallagher added a third soon after, tapping in from close range following Marc Guehi’s flicked header from Noni Madueke’s corner.
The relentless Three Lions continued their assault late in the match. Substitute Jarrod Bowen made an immediate impact, scoring with his first touch after a well-executed corner routine. Taylor Harwood-Bellis then capped the scoring, heading in Angel Gomes’ precise cross to claim his maiden England goal and put the finishing touches on a comprehensive victory.
Ireland, already guaranteed third place in the group, had frustrated England in a fiery first half, limiting them to 75% possession but no significant chances. The Republic’s defensive resilience even saw tempers flare just before halftime when Kane and Jayson Molumby clashed, earning both players yellow cards. Ireland also felt aggrieved by two waved-off penalty appeals, which might have changed the complexion of the match.
Despite their strong start, Ireland could not withstand England’s second-half surge. Scales’ dismissal proved to be the turning point, and England ruthlessly exploited their numerical advantage. Kane’s pinpoint cross-field ball to Bellingham in the lead-up to the penalty showcased the quality that had been missing earlier, and from that moment, the floodgates opened.
While Ireland’s unbeaten start to the match unraveled in the second half, the result had little bearing on their campaign. For England, however, the emphatic win not only secured promotion but also provided a fitting farewell for Carsley, who delivered on his interim mandate in style.
