Stephen Kenny's hunt for a first win as Republic of Ireland manager goes on as they were outclassed by England at Wembley.
Ireland’s first defeat to the Three Lions in 35 years was a difficult watch for fans as Gareth Southgate’s experimental side ran out comfortable winners.
The visitors started brightly and looked set to make a contest of it but goals from Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho saw England in 2-0 at the break before Dominic Calvert-Lewin added a third from the penalty spot.
Here's how the Irish players rated:
Darren Randolph 4
A Cruyff turn to dodge Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the early minutes hinted that his lack of game time hasn't affected his confidence but it was an uncharacteristically error-strewn performance from the Bray man.
His missed punch on a Mason Mount cross almost gifted Bukayo Saka a first-half goal, but he scrambled well to block the effort, and was almost punished by Maguire in the second half as he failed to claim a Saka free-kick.
Cyrus Christie 2
Selected on his preferred right side in the absence of Seamus Coleman, as Matt Doherty moved to the left, but did little to suggest he has the capability to make it his own.
His poor clearance and lack of urgency to get back in position left a gaping hole for Sancho to notch England’s second.
And he was too easily drawn by Arsenal wing-back Saka into conceding the penalty that yielded England’s third before Stephen Kenny brought his nightmare to an early conclusion.
Shane Duffy 3
Duffy has had an unsteady start to his Celtic career, dropping to the bench before the international break, and the captain endured a tough evening against England’s exciting front three.
He was outjumped by Maguire for England’s opening goal and, though he pulled off a fine block to deny Calvert-Lewin shortly afterward, it was too often desperation defending.
Had three different centre-half partners over the evening, which may not have helped, but his passing improved in the second half as Ireland were able to play forward.
John Egan N/A
Collided with Conor Hourihane as they defended an early corner and took a heavy knock to the head, which forced him off after 13 minutes for further assessment.
Matt Doherty 6
Has plenty of experience at left-back from his time at Wolves and he was the most comfortable of Ireland’s defenders with most of the danger directed towards the opposite flank.
Conor Hourihane 4
Started the game well from a position deep in midfield as Ireland looked to move the ball quickly toward the flanks but was forced back as England took charge.
His languid style stands out in a workman-like Ireland midfield but he was too loose in possession on a number of occasions when Ireland badly needed some control on the ball.
The absence of James McCarthy was keenly felt as the Aston Villa man offered little screening for his centre-halves as they struggled to contain clubmate Jack Grealish in the free role in attack.
Jeff Hendrick 5
Deployed in a deeper position than he’s used to for Ireland as Alan Browne took up the number 10 position and worked tirelessly as always.
Ireland had a nominal extra man in midfield but it rarely materialised as Hendrick was forced to fight metaphorical fires caused by the outstanding attacking movement of Sancho and Grealish.
Perhaps could have done more to close down Sancho for England’s second goal but his wasn’t the error to begin with.
Alan Browne 6
Tasked with getting forward to support Adam Idah in attack and his speed and athleticism was an asset during a fruitful first 15 minutes for Ireland.
Unfortunate Idah couldn’t pick out his run following one promising early passage but was required to drop progressively deeper as the half wore on.
Registered Ireland’s first shot on target after 71 minutes but was unfortunate to lose his footing slightly as he struck the ball.
Callum O’Dowda 4
Started the game well on the ball as he linked up with Idah and Daryl Horgan and showed some neat footwork to put teammates in space.
His influence on the game faded as the first half wore on and it was no surprise to see him replaced on the hour.
Daryl Horgan 6
Looked determined to seize his chance in the early stages with a number of promising runs that threatened to expose Saka’s inexperience in defending from wing-back.
Easily beat Tyrone Mings to dig out a cross as Ireland looked dangerous in the opening 15 but, like O’Dowda, he found himself chasing the ball more often than not before being replaced.
Adam Idah 6
A lonely night for the Norwich City striker following a promising opening quarter in attack, and England’s back three found it easy to crowd space whenever Ireland worked the ball forward.
His best work came when running the channels and linking up with the dynamic Horgan, though he may rue a poor pass for Browne when the scores were level.
Subs
Dara O’Shea 6
Introduced early for his second cap in place of the injured John Egan and he acquitted himself well alongside the experienced Duffy.
Moved to right-back following Christie’s withdrawal and showed calmness in possession and got up and down well.
Robbie Brady 4
Introduced for O’Dowda for the final half-hour but struggled to get into the game.
James McClean 5
Injected his usual energy to proceedings and England’s defenders looked noticeably less controlled in possession as he hared towards them.
Kevin Long 6
Replaced Christie to form the third centre-half partnership of the game with Duffy and Ireland enjoyed their best possession of the game while he was on.
Ronan Curtis 6
Stung the palms of Dean Henderson with Ireland’s second on-target effort late on, having replaced Idah for the final few minutes.
Jayson Molumby 6
Showed energy and invention in midfield during his short stint on the pitch, with a smart through-ball for Browne yielding Ireland’s first clear chance.
