England sealed promotion back to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League on Sunday night by thrashing the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.
The Three Lions started the night top of Group B2 due to their superior head-to-head record against Greece. But top spot remained in the balance at half-time when Lee Carsley‘s England were still behind held to a 0-0 draw.
However, the game changed just six minutes into the second half when Liam Scales conceded a penalty kick and earned a second yellow card all at once by fouling Jude Bellingham.
Harry Kane converted the spot-kick before Anthony Gordon and Conor Gallagher scored their first international goals to make it 3-0 before the hour-mark.
Jarrod Bowen and Taylor Harwood-Bellis then bagged their first goals for the Three Lions after coming off the bench to wrap up a 5-0 win.
Mail Sport’s CRAIG HOPE was on hand to provide player ratings from Wembley.
England won promotion to the top tier of the Nations League by beating Ireland on Sunday
Four England stars scored their first international goal during the demolition at Wembley
England (4-2-3-1)
Jordan Pickford 6
Just one shot on his goal and a quiet night in which he did what he had to with no fuss. A good few days for keeper.
Tino Livramento 6.5
Supplied the cross, albeit deflected, from which Gordon scored. Steady enough debut and grew in confidence, evidenced by cheeky flick late on.
Kyle Walker 6
A couple of shaky moments at centre-back early on but recovered and cruised through until withdrawal after the hour.
Marc Guehi 7
Was lucky to avoid penalty concession when pulling down Ferguson. Headed flick then created goal for good pal Gallagher and again did well on whole.
Lewis Hall 7
A strong full debut to follow on from impressive second half in Greece. A run at left back surely awaits for Newcastle man? Composed.
Curtis Jones 7
Not the dynamic showing of his debut in Greece but some nice moments and a more disciplined display. A very good introduction this week.
Marc Guehi did well on the whole and won the header which lead to Conor Gallagher’s goal
Atletico Madrid midfielder Gallagher put in his best performance in a long time for England
Conor Gallagher 7.5
His best in a long time for England and industry was rewarded with first international goal. Made middle of park his own as game went on.
Noni Madueke 6.5
Was England’s most dangerous early on but faded. Decision-making let him down at times. Still, his corner led to third goal.
Jude Bellingham 8
Was already his side’s best before picking up two late assists to cap a display of class and composure. Must stay at No.10 now. MOM.
Anthony Gordon 6.5
Still striving for better end-product and it was a frustrating night until fine finish for maiden England goal with second-half volley.
Harry Kane 6
Wonderful ball leading to penalty win and subsequent conversion of it apart, the skipper again looked out of sorts. Too many poor touches.
Substitutes
Taylor Harwood-Bellis (on for Walker 62) 7
Morgan Rogers (on for Gordon 75) 6.5
Dominic Solanke (on for Gallagher 75) 6
Jarrod Bowen (on for Madueke 75) 7
Angel Gomes (on for Jones 79) 6
Manager: Lee Carsley 7
Signed off in style but was aided by Ireland red card after difficult first half.
Jude Bellingham was his side’s best before two assists capped a display of composure
Harry Kane again looked out of sorts and took many poor touches during the win at Wembley
Ireland (4-5-1)
Caoimihin Kelleher 5
Was left exposed with his side down to 10 men and not a lot he could do about any of the five goals.
Dara O’Shea 5.5
Had done OK up against Gordon first half and, even though Ireland became ragged, he stuck to his task.
Mark McGuinness 5.5
Was enjoying a decent debut until sidekick Scales was dismissed and was then dragged all over as England took control.
Liam Scales 4
Was doing well – one thunderous challenge on Kane – until second yellow for trip on Bellingham leading to England penalty. It cost his side.
Calum O’Dowda 4.5
Used at left back and was turned inside and out by Madueke first half. Nervy in possession, too.
Festy Ebosele 6
His team’s best threat and England could not knock him off ball. Helped out defensively too, most notably in doubling up on Gordon.
Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimihin Kelleher was left exposed with his side down to 10 men
Liam Scales was doing well until a second yellow card led to England’s penalty
Josh Cullen 5
Some good, some bad. Unusually sloppy at times but was a robust presence when game was still alive. Was overran second half.
Nathan Collins 6
Used in holding-midfield role and broke up play and protected his backline with a captain’s authority – until it all unravelled after Ireland’s red.
Jayson Molumby 5
Got about England and wound up Kane before break. Disappeared along with team-mates second half.
Sammie Szmodics 5
Beaten too easily before Gordon goal and did not have much of a chance to show attacking prowess here.
Evan Ferguson 5.5
Could have had penalty after tangling with Guehi and tried his best despite little support. Some nice touches.
Brighton star Evan Ferguson was well marshalled by England’s defence throughout the game
Substitutes
Ryan Manning (on for Ebosele 67) 5
Finn Azaz (on for O’Dowda 67) 5
Troy Parrott (on foor Ferguson 67) 5
Manager: Heimir Hallgrimsson 5
Made bold call with Collins in midfield and it worked until red card ruined Ireland’s plans and hard work.
Referee: Erik Lambrechts (BEL) 6.5
Att: 79,969