The Republic of Ireland endured a tough evening at the Aviva Stadium, as England outclassed the Boys in Green in the Uefa Nations League.
There will be easier assignments than this for Heimir Hallgrimsson. Here's how we rated the players.
Caoimhin Kelleher - 8
The main reason this wasn't worse. Made a great stop to deny Anthony Gordon in a one-on-one, only for Declan Rice to smash the ball home from inside the box moments later. Kelleher then pulled off a super point-blank save when Harry Kane looked certain to make it 2-0. Could do little to stop Grealish rolling home the visitors' second and was an assured presence when others lost their heads. Indeed, he pulled off three more fine saves in the closing stages as Jarrod Bowen (twice) and Bukayo Saka threatened.
Seamus Coleman - 6
Had a tough task up against the relentless, evasive pairing of Anthony Gordon and Jack Grealish, who took turns to target Ireland's right-hand side. Still, Coleman is as resolute as they come and he made some important blocks, sticking to his task with typical dilligence before departing with what looked like an Achilles injury.
Dara O'Shea - 5
The Irish defence were regularly left badly exposed by a porous, over-committed midfield. O'Shea found himself betwixt and between; unable to get close enough to England's brilliant attackers to rattle them physically. He did cover ground well a few times to help a scrambling Ireland deal with lightning English counters.
Nathan Collins - 5
Did well to smother Harry Kane's shot in the box, only to see Rice bury the rebound. Put his body on the line but, alongside O'Shea, found the going tough against elite forwards.
Matt Doherty - 4
He looked pumped up from the off, but as Ireland's hopes unravelled, Doherty's energy levels dropped. He failed to give Coleman adequate protection and didn't offer much going forward.
Robbie Brady - 4
Swung in one or two decent deliveries early on but Brady generally toiled against opponents who were stronger, quicker and sharper all over the field. He didn't always have an obvious out-ball, but even still, Brady's radar was off. He was caught in possession on a few occasions.
Will Smallbone - 5
Overwhelmed in the middle of the park as Rice and Mainoo totally dictated the contest. Reliable in possession, but the Southampton man never got to grips with his role defensively, with the game largely passing him by.
Jayson Molumby - 6
Got under Jack Grealish's skin almost immediately, much to the home crowd’s amusement, and could have headed Ireland ahead after three minutes when he guided a free header over the bar from Brady’s corner. Worked incredibly hard, but his decision-making and distribution was patchy. Skied a half-chance when he was teed up by Szmodics in the second half.
Sammie Szmodics - 6
🇮🇪 0-2 🏴
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) September 7, 2024
Ireland should probably pull one back but Szmodics shoots wide after fine build-up play
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Most of his work was defensive as the English took control and pinned Ireland back. He was quiet, but the Ipswich man has a knack of popping up in the right places and he went close with two efforts: one from the edge of the area that Pickford parried away in the early exchanges, and another before the hour mark that curled narrowly wide.
Chiedozie Ogbene - 7
As always, Ireland's brightest attacking spark. Ogbene carried the fight throughout, particularly when deployed at wing-back on the turnaround after the introduction of Jason Knight. He needs more support to help him hurt the opposition higher up the pitch.
Adam Idah - 5
His hold-up play wasn't good enough really on an evening when Ireland needed everything to stick. It's a difficult job to lead the line against such a good team, and Idah was often isolated, but he never really imposed himself or made best use of his physicality.
Substitutes
Jake O'Brien (for Coleman 57 mins) - 5
Caught in possession by Rice as he tried to come out from the back. Trod on Rice's toes, then went in the book for a clumsy challenge on Gordon.
Jason Knight (for Doherty 57 mins) - 6
Offered welcome energy on the right to give Ogbene the sort of balance he craves. Should start on Tuesday.
Alan Browne (for Smallbone 75 mins) - 5
Not easy to come into a game that had long been lost. Grafted and kept hold of possession when he got his foot on the ball.
Kasey McAteer (for Idah 75 mins) - 5
Whipped in one fine cross from the left that just evaded Szmodics. Showed good movement in an encouraging debut.
Evan Ferguson (for Brady 82 mins) - Not on long enough to rate
He hasn't played since last March and had little time to make an impact here, but it's great to see the 19-year-old back on the field ahead of Tuesday's clash with the Greeks.
