AFCON 2025
England marked their return to the Nations League’s top tier in dominant style, crushing the Republic of Ireland at Wembley in Lee Carsley’s final game as interim manager.
After a lackluster first half, England found their rhythm after the break, delivering a commanding performance.
Harry Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot eight minutes into the second half after Jude Bellingham was brought down by Liam Scales, who was then sent off for the challenge.
England exploited the Anthony Gordon doubling the lead just two minutes later. The forward capitalized on a defensive lapse to convert Tino Livramento’s cross at the far post, marking his first goal for the national team.
Jarrod Bowen made it 4-0 with a crisp shot from the edge of the area, his first touch after coming off the bench. Debutant Taylor Harwood-Bellis then headed England’s fifth in the 79th minute to compound Ireland’s woes.
England topped Group B2 with 15 points from six games, edging out Greece on goal difference in their head-to-head encounters.
Carsley, who won five of his six matches in charge, hands over the reins to Thomas Tuchel, who is set to take over on January 1, 2025.
