England’s explosive second-half performance secured promotion to Nations League A as they thumped the Republic of Ireland 5-0 at Wembley.
After a lifeless first opening period, England turned on the style as they finished the year strongly before new head coach Thomas Tuchel takes charge in the new year.
Three goals in six second-half minutes, from captain Harry Kane, Anthony Gordon and Conor Gallagher stunned the visitors.
Substitutes Jarrod Bowen and debutant Taylor Harwood-Bellis sealed a convincing win for the departing interim head coach Lee Carsley.
Here, TIBS News reviews the key talking points from the match and moving ahead.
SCALES SENDING OFF CHANGES GAME
Before Ireland’s Liam Scales was sent off, which led to Kane scoring from the penalty spot and opening the scoring, the nation across the pond frustrated the hosts to limited chances.
A sea of green shirts where doing superbly to keep England at arm’s length before the Celtic defender lunged into Jude Bellingham in the 18-yard box to result in his marching orders.
After the opener, England breezed their way to a comfortable victory as they tore Ireland to shreds as the Three Lions pummelled their goal with relentless pressure.
LAST DANCE BEFORE TUCHEL
Carsley’s interim run as senior England head coach has been an overall success, winning their Nations League group whilst steadying the ship after Southgate’s exit and England’s Euro’s heartbreak.
The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich head coach, Tuchel, will begin his role as new England head coach from January 1.
The German only has one aim, when handed an 18-month contract by the FA, World Cup Glory in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico in 2026.
His predecessor, Gareth Southgate, came the closest to winning a major tournament, reaching successive European Championship finals at the 2020 and 2024 editions, since Sir Alf Ramsey’s triumph of the 1966 World Cup.
NATIONS LEAGUE PROMOTION
After being relegated to the Nations League B in September 2022, after defeat against Italy and finishing bottom of the group, England are ready to rumble with Europe’s elite again.
The Three Lions secured the top spot, beating Greece on goal difference and head-to-head statistics, after winning five games and losing once in this Nations League campaign.
With this achievement, this means new head coach Tuchel can fully focus on World Cup qualification rather than a play-off to reach the pinnacle of this competition.
NEW FIRSTS FOR ENGLAND
Newcastle’s Valentino Livramento secured his first senior cap only days after three other players were handed their chance in England’s vital victory against Greece on Thursday.
Southampton’s Harwood-Bellis towered his first England goal on his debut with Gordon, Gallagher and Bowen both picking up the same accolade in this ruthless finishing performance.
By Jack Bunclark
