England v Ireland LIVE: Nations League result as Taylor Harwood-Bellis scores on debut in thrashing

England secured promotion back to the top tier of the Nations League with a 5-0 thashing of 10-man Republic of Ireland in interim manager Lee Carsley’s last game in charge at Wembley.

After a turgid first half, Harry Kane’s penalty, Anthony Gordon’s volley and a tap-in by Conor Gallagher in the space of five minutes at the start of the second broke Ireland’s resolve.

Jarrod Bowen made it 4-0 with a crisp shot from the edge of the area, his first touch after coming off the bench, before debutant Taylor Harwood-Bellis headed England’s fifth.

Ireland played virtually the whole of the second half with 10 men after Liam Scales was sent off for a foul on Jude Bellingham that resulted in England’s penalty.

England vs Ireland LIVE

• FULL TIME! England score five second-half goals to thrash 10-man Ireland

• The Three Lions confirm promotion from Group B2 as Lee Carsley signs off

• GOAL! 79’ – Harwood-Bellis nods in for goal on his debut (5-0)

• GOAL! 75’ – Bowen scores with his first touch after coming on as sub (4-0)

• GOAL! 58’ – Gallagher prods in from a corner for three goals in seven minutes (3-0)

• GOAL! 55’ – Gordon reacts quickest to volley in from close range (2-0)

• GOAL! 52’ – Kane beats Kelleher with resulting penalty to open scoring (1-0)

• RED CARD! 51’ – Scales fouls Bellingham in the box and is sent-off for second booking

England’s night of firsts reveals true value of Lee Carsley’s tenure

19:22 , Chris Wilson

Sir Alf Ramsey remains the only England manger to win a World Cup, a status he may retain for another few decades, but Lee Carsley can bow out as the interim with a unique distinction of his own. Carsley is the only England manager to win promotion. And if that reflects both the newness of the Nations League and the reality that, in an otherwise successful reign, Gareth Southgate contrived to get relegated, Carsley has at least spared Thomas Tuchel a play-off in his first fixtures and can step down with an 83 per cent win rate. This was the most emphatic. The former Republic of Ireland midfielder oversaw England’s biggest victory over the country he represented 40 times.

Ireland were beaten in the space of eight minutes, when their earlier obduracy became irrelevant as they were reduced to 10 men and conceded three times. Uninspired before the break, Carsley’s team then showed a ruthlessness to capitalise as Ireland capitulated. A November of 3-0 and 5-0 wins, even as the number of withdrawals entered double figures, has been a personal triumph.

For Harry Kane, it has been an international break with a difference but it brought a successful end. Dropped for the Greece game, crowded out and frustrated in a first half when he got a booking for wrestling with Jayson Molumbuy, he fashioned the opener with a wonderful pass and scored it from the penalty spot. This, he may have pointed out to the players who stayed away, is the reward for reporting for England duty.

England’s night of firsts reveals true value of Lee Carsley’s tenure

Kane: “It’s been a really good camp”

19:20 , Chris Wilson

Harry Kane tells ITV that today’s result was “really important” for England.

“It has been a really good camp and two tough games. We got the job done in Greece and again here.

“It was a tough first half but we came out with more energy and we finished it off.

“We spoke about new opportunities for new lads and they’ve shown why they are here and a couple of good finishes. It was nice for Jarrod [Bowen] too to come on and score straight away.

“Thomas [Tuchel] has a lot of players to choose from. A lot of young players that have come in and done well and some more experienced players that are injured and will be looking to come back, so there’s a good balance.

I’m sure he [Tuchel] will be looking at everyone.”

On Lee Carsley’s impact as interim boss, Kane adds: “He has been top drawer, him and all the staff. After the Euros it was never going to be easy to come and go straight into the Nations League and sometimes the motivation is a bit less.

“I’m really glad we won today and finish off on a high.”

FULL-TIME! – England 5-0 Ireland

19:07 , Chris Wilson

That result means England win their group and get automatically promoted to the ‘A’ leagues. They’ve avoided a play-off in March, too.

The next time we see the Three Lions, it’ll be with Thomas Tuchel in charge.

FULL-TIME! – England 5-0 Ireland

18:58 , Chris Wilson

FULL-TIME! – England 5-0 Ireland

18:53 , Chris Wilson

The referee brings the game to an end and England are promoted back to the ‘A’ leagues in the Nations League.

It wasn’t pretty in the first half but some brilliance from Kane and Bellingham – as well as a red card for Ireland – unlocked the door to an easy win.

91’ – England 5-0 Ireland

18:51 , Chris Wilson

England win a corner and it’s played short to Gomes, who lays it off to Bowen, and the winger drives a shot wide from distance.

90’ – England 5-0 Ireland

18:49 , Chris Wilson

There’ll be three minutes of added time here, as an Ireland pass goes straight out of play.

88’ – England 5-0 Ireland

18:48 , Chris Wilson

Another great chance for England as Rogers takes down the pass and skips past his man in the same touch, before his cutback finds Bowen, who fires straight at Kelleher.

Gomes is booked for a simple foul too.

87’ – England 5-0 Ireland

18:45 , Chris Wilson

Ireland make another change as Szmodics comes off for Kasey McAteer.

Bowen and Livramento almost combine to great a tap-in chance for Kane, but the West Ham man had handled it in the build-up.

Moments later, Kane finds himself 1-v-1 with Kelleher, under a little pressure from Collins, and he fires straight at the Liverpool ‘keeper.

85’ – England 5-0 Ireland

18:44 , Chris Wilson

Rogers does brilliantly down the left and wins a free-kick from O’Shea, in a similar position to the one that led to Bowen’s goal…

This one is also played short, but it ends with Bellingham firing into a sea of shirts in the box.

83’ – England 5-0 Ireland

18:42 , Chris Wilson

England are still pushing for goals, with Livramento and Bowen nearly linking to create an opportunity before Hall wins a corner.

England 5-0 Ireland

18:40 , Richard Jolly, at Wembley

Jarrod Bowen scores with his first touch, just as Ollie Watkins did in Greece. Much of what Carsley has done over his reign has worked, with the notable exception of the home game against Greece, and it is now three players with their first international goals tonight. All of which shows how Carsley is enjoying giving opportunities to some who have previously found them hard to come by.

79’ GOAL! England 5-0 Ireland

18:39 , Chris Wilson

GOAL! And it’s the debutant, Taylor Harwood-Bellis!

From the corner, the ball is cleared but England get another chance. The diagonal ball is played into the box by Bellingham, and Harwood-Bellis gets in-between the two centre-backs to nod in!

78’ – England 4-0 Ireland

18:38 , Chris Wilson

CLOSE!

Bowen does brilliantly to get away down the right and he fizzes in a low cross towards Solanke’s whose effort is deflected over.

Angel Gomes replaces Curtis Jones.

76’ GOAL! England 4-0 Ireland

18:36 , Chris Wilson

He’s just come on, but Bowen has scored!

The free-kick is straight from the training ground, with Bellingham playing it short and then laying it behind the defenders to Bowe, who uses the bodies and curls an effort into the corner at the near post for 4-0!

75’ – England 3-0 Ireland

18:34 , Chris Wilson

Bellingham wins a free-kick near the touchline on the left, and it’ll be a good chance to cross in.

Before it’s taken, England make a triple change – Gordon, Gallagher and Madueke are replaced by Jarrod Bowen, Morgan Rogers and Dominic Solanke.

72’ – England 3-0 Ireland

18:32 , Chris Wilson

England continue to pile on the pressure, with Kane and Madueke both going close to creating openings for themselves.

The home side are lining up a few more changes.

69’ – England 3-0 Ireland

18:28 , Chris Wilson

Madueke swings in another dangerous cross but Kelleher does well to get it away. The home side are now completely dominant in possession, as you’d expect.

67’ – England 0-0 Ireland

18:26 , Chris Wilson

Ireland make two substitutions as Ebosele and Ferguson make way for Manning and Troy Parrott.

65’ – England 3-0 Ireland

18:24 , Chris Wilson

Bellingham leads the counter from the corner and he feeds in Kane, who slips it to Jones, but his cutback falls short of Madueke.

63’ – England 3-0 Ireland

18:23 , Richard Jolly, at Wembley

Promotion beckons for England after a quickfire treble. Which, as Greece took the lead in Finland around the time Harry Kane opened the scoring, was timely. So solid for 50 minutes, Ireland have now conceded three times in eight. They may count the cost of Liam Scales’ rather needless first booking; when he got the second for fouling Jude Bellingham, they lost their sense of organisation. But first England goals for Anthony Gordon and Conor Gallagher, two who have had to graft their way to the top, were wonderful moments for them.

63’ – England 3-0 Ireland

18:22 , Chris Wilson

Gallagher’s attempted rabona from the edge of the box sums up England’s mood at the moment. Ireland have really fallen apart after the red card.

61’ – England 3-0 Ireland

18:21 , Chris Wilson

England are playing with abandon now, as you might expect. Lee Carsley is lining up some subs now.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis comes on for his debut, and he replaces Kyle Walker.

58’ GOAL! – England 3-0 Ireland

18:18 , Chris Wilson

England win their seventh corner of the night and it’s a great delivery from Madueke. Guehi gets a flick on at the near post, directing it diagonally towards the far post, and Gallagher pokes in from about two yards out for 3-0!

It was 0-0 six minutes ago!

55’ – GOAL! England 2-0 Ireland

18:16 , Chris Wilson

And straight away, England have another goal!

They’ve threatened since the first goal but they get lucky here. Livramento gets free down the right and clips in a ball that should be dealt with easily, but it bounces off the Ireland defenders and into the path of Gordon, who rifles in a volley from close range!

Great finish from the Newcastle man.

53’ GOAL – England 1-0 Ireland

18:12 , Chris Wilson

GOAL!

Kane steps up and sends Kelleher the wrong way as he places it to the ‘keeper’s left. 1-0 to England!

50’ – PENALTY! England 0-0 Ireland

18:11 , Chris Wilson

PENALTY TO ENGLAND!

Out of nothing, but it’s some brilliant technique from Harry Kane.

England attack and it comes to the captain on the left, and he looks up and drills a perfect diagonal pass to Bellingham. The Madrid man takes it down and cuts inside, and is dragged down by Scales.

Scales gets his second yellow card and is sent off!

47’ – England 0-0 Ireland

18:07 , Chris Wilson

Livramento delivers a teasing ball in but it’s headed away. England recycle possession and this time Bellingham clips in a ball to Kane, who takes it down and tries to find Gordon at the far post, but that too is headed clear.

Half a chance for the home side!

KICK-OFF! England 0-0 Ireland

18:04 , Chris Wilson

Jude Bellingham gets us back underway in the capital.

HALF-TIME! England 0-0 Ireland

18:00 , Chris Wilson

It’s been a strange half for England, with the side looking at best tired and at worst indifferent. Though with fixture congestion, you sort of couldn’t blame them for either.

Above all, however, they’ve looked like they’ve found it difficult to click this evening.

HALF-TIME! England 0-0 Ireland

17:55 , Chris Wilson

HALF-TIME! England 0-0 Ireland

17:50 , Chris Wilson

HALF-TIME! The referee brings the first half to an end at Wembley, and it’s been a tepid affair in the capital.

Neither side has had a real chance of note – there have been zero shots on target so far.

That sums up the first 45 minutes.

46’ – England 0-0 Ireland

17:49 , Chris Wilson

Ebosele’s early cross is dangerous, but Pickford collects under little pressure.

England win a corner from the counter, but Madueke’s delivery is headed away and Livramento’s follow-up pass is intercepted.

Moments later, there’s a scuffle as Kane tussles with Molumby near the halfway line, and both are booked.

We’re into the second of be three minutes of added time here.

43’ – England 0-0 Ireland

17:44 , Chris Wilson

The free-kick is eventually cleared by England after some pinball in the box, before England win a free-kick in their own area and Scales is booked for delaying the restart.

41’ – England 0-0 Ireland

17:43 , Chris Wilson

Guehi is the latest to try a hopeful ball forward, but it’s easily headed away. England come again, but Kane is tackled and Ireland counter.

O’Dowd leads the attack and is scythed down by Madueke, and Ireland have a free-kick in a dangerous area on the left.

Madueke and Bellingham were booked for the challenge and their protestations.

39′ – England 0-0 Ireland

17:40 , Chris Wilson

Gordon and Hall combine well down the left and the latter clips in a great cross, which eventually falls to Madueke, though the Chelsea man can’t get clean contact on the shot.

Szmodics is okay for the moment.

37’ – England 0-0 Ireland

17:39 , Richard Jolly, at Wembley

Much of the noise is coming from the Ireland fans, who have cheered every time a cross has been headed away, which has happened quite a few times already.

England have lacked invention so far and it may be pertinent that some of their 10 withdrawals are among their players likeliest to make something happen out of nothing, in Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka. So far, Ireland have tried to sit deep enough to negate the pace of Anthony Gordon.

37’ – England 0-0 Ireland

17:38 , Chris Wilson

Ireland fans want a penalty as Ferguson chases the long ball forward and goes down under the challenge from Walker, but the England man got the ball.

England go up the other end on the counter but it comes to nothing as Madueke runs into the defender.

35’ – England 0-0 Ireland

17:37 , Chris Wilson

Play is back underway, and Szmodics looks like he might be okay to play on.

England try to launch at attack straight away, but it ends with Bellingham hooking over a speculative effort from outside the box.

Not a great game from Carsley’s men so far.

32’ – England 0-0 Ireland

17:34 , Chris Wilson

There’s a coming together in the middle of the pitch as Szmodics slipped and Gallagher ran into him. The Ireland man looks like he’s in a lot of pain at the moment.

On the replay, it actually looks more like Szmodics might have gone down under no challenge and then fallen into Gallagher.

There’s a break in play here.

29’ – England 0-0 Ireland

17:31 , Chris Wilson

Another England attack creates some pinball in the Ireland area and the ball falls to Madueke, who’d delivered the original cross. He tries to get a shot through but it bounces off a green shirt, and his appeal for a penalty is waved away.

England win a corner which is played short. Guehi tries the one-two with Bellingham, but his chipped through ball has just a bit too much on it.

27’ – England 0-0 Ireland

17:29 , Chris Wilson

England create their first half chance in a while as Gordon is found on the overlap, but his low cross is cleared.

The home side build again, before Livramento is forced backwards.

24’ – England 0-0 Ireland

17:25 , Chris Wilson

Another England attack falls to nothing as Gallagher and Madueke caren’t on the same wavelength. Kelleher launches it long, and Gordon wins it back quickly.

At the other end of the pitch, the Newcastle man commits a foul when chasing the long ball.

Very stop-start so far, with the home side unable to get any real rhythm going.

22’ – England 0-0 Ireland

17:23 , Chris Wilson

Ireland knock it long to Ferguson, who’s wrestling with Guehi on the edge of the box. Both go down, but the decision goes in favour of the Englishman.

19’ – England 0-0 Ireland

17:21 , Chris Wilson

Bellingham makes England’s first foray into the box for a little while, but he’s forced to backheel it to Gordon and England build again. They recycle possession and try and feed in Kane, but there’s just a bit too much on it.

England 0-0 Ireland

17:20 , Richard Jolly, at Wembley

Nathan Collins is playing in midfield, a lovely call-back to when Jack Charlton had so many centre-backs in his team he played Paul McGrath in midfield.

The Irish legion of centre-backs have been passive so far, but organised, preventing England from fashioning a major chance. Noni Madueke, who also began brightly against Greece on Thursday, has looked the most dynamic player on the pitch thus far.

17’ – England 0-0 Ireland

17:19 , Chris Wilson

Plenty of possession for the home side at Wembley, but they haven’t been able to create anything of note with it. Ireland are penned back at the moment though.

14’ – England 0-0 Ireland

17:16 , Karl Matchett

Szmodics now makes ground toward the England box for about the first time, but there are numbers back and he’s turned away before making any further moves towards Pickford. Ireland enjoying a first spell with the ball, which Guehi and Jones eventually put an end to.

Bellingham has been dropping deep plenty in this opening spell, making bits happen moving into the right channel in particular on the ball.

10’ – England 0-0 Ireland

17:12 , Karl Matchett

Bellingham frees Madueke again and the winger once more makes ground. It ends in Bellingham striking against a defender and amid cries from the crowd for a handball, Ireland clear.

Lots of possession for England in these early stages, but no clear opening just yet.

7′ – England 0-0 Ireland

17:08 , Karl Matchett

Walker rises highest from the corner and powerfully heads goalward, but over the bar. Ireland haven’t really managed to get out of their own half of the pitch just yet, but neither has Kelleher had to make an early save. Collins comes across to cut out a through pass and stops Gordon running in on goal.

4’ – England 0-0 Ireland

17:05 , Karl Matchett

So, Hall and Livramento at full-back for England, the Newcastle duo both making their first starts at senior international level. An interesting change-up all over the park at the moment for the Three Lions, partly necessity with injuries, but also a final shake-up by Lee Carsley and his willingness to call up new faces, before the Thomas Tuchel era starts.

Madueke winds his way past two tackles, his cut-back is half-cleared and Jones shoots – deflected over the bar.

1’ – England 0-0 Ireland

17:01 , Karl Matchett

Kick-off at Wembley! Three of five games here have ended in defeat for England lately – they need to rectify that for promotion and we’re underway.

LIVE – England v Ireland

16:58 , Karl Matchett

National anthems time – the Irish fans belt out theirs in the pouring rain but there are a fair few jeers throughout. And the same right back at God Save the King as that starts, boos aplenty.

Good start to proceedings.

England vs Ireland LIVE

16:55 , Chris Wilson

Both sides have emerged from the tunnel onto the Wembley pitch, so the national anthems should be underway soon.

England vs Ireland LIVE

16:50 , Chris Wilson

Is England vs Ireland on TV tonight?

16:45 , Chris Wilson

With around 15 minutes until kick-off, here’s a reminder of how you can watch tonight’s match.

When is England vs Ireland?

The Nations League finale takes place on Sunday 17 November with kick-off set for 5pm GMT.

Where can I watch it?

England vs Ireland will be screened live on ITV1 and STV. It can be streamed via ITVX on compatible devices, as well as the STV Player.

Match facts

16:40 , Chris Wilson

England are unbeaten in their last 41 matches in all competitions when they’ve netted the opening goal (W38 D3) since losing 2-1 to Czechia in October 2019 in a UEFA European Championship qualifier.

The Three Lions have lost three of their last five games at Wembley (W1 D1), as many as they had in their previous 50 combined (W39 D8 L3). It’s only the third time they have lost three games at the national stadium in a single year (along with 1977 and 1981), and they have never lost four in one year.

The Republic of Ireland have won two of their last three UEFA Nations League matches – as many as they’d won in their first 18 games in the competition combined (W2 D6 L10).

Halgrimsson: “We’ve nothing to fear”

16:35 , Chris Wilson

Ahead of the match, new Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson said that his side don’t have to fear England.

“Coming from a win on Thursday, we’ve nothing to fear and we can try to play like we did in the second half against Greece and Finland,” he said.

“I’ve never played at Wembley, but it’s always an honour to play in places like Wembley. It’s always an honour to play the top teams in the world and England are one,” he added.

“That helps your growth when you play the best teams. You’re up against the best individual talents in football and they will expose your weakness.”

Carsley: “My priority is making sure we get the job done”

16:30 , Chris Wilson

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Lee Carsley said that “in terms of the future, my priority is making sure we get the job done”.

“We are fully respectful of Ireland and the strengths they have, so we have to make sure we approach the game properly,” he added.

“We won’t take any risk on any of the players so, apart from Ezri, we’re in good condition.

Regarding his role as interim manager, Carsley said: “It’s a great role. It has been a brilliant experience, at times it has been tough.

“The tough times have been outweighed by nights like the other night [in Greece].

“You always question whether you can do it, in terms of the comfort zone myself and staff have been out of, which has been good.

“I try to look beyond myself. It is important for the longer-term view that the best thing for us is to get promotion. That sets us up for the draw at the World Cup.

It will be more beneficial for the players than it will be for myself.”

Match facts

16:25 , Chris Wilson

England have won their last two matches against the Republic of Ireland, beating them 3-0 in November 2020 and 2-0 in September this year. They have never won three in a row against Ireland before.

The Republic of Ireland won their first away match against England back in September 1949 at Goodison Park; since then, all seven of their games in England have been at Wembley and they’ve won none of them (drawn three and lost four).

Head-to-head

16:20 , Chris Wilson

Tonight’s match will be the 19th meeting between the two sides, with the first dating back to September 1946.

Overall, England have won seven, Ireland have won two, and nine have ended as draws.

When the two sides met in Dublin in September, the Three Lions ran out comfortable 2-0 winners courtesy of goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish.

Tino Livramento comes into makeshift England defence

16:17 , Richard Jolly

Tino Livramento becomes the seventh player given a debut by Lee Carsley in his brief reign. The interim manager has certainly shown a willingness to experiment, particularly with the graduates of his Under-21 team.

Marc Guehi is the only specialist centre-back in the England team, with Kyle Walker set to join him in the middle of the defence. The Ireland side, in contrast, looks packed with centre-backs.

Lee Carsley has promotion in sight before handing England reins to Thomas Tuchel

16:15 , Chris Wilson

Lee Carsley hopes to have helped Thomas Tuchel by being different with his selection and approach during his interim England reign – something that has led to praise and some service station sermons.

Sunday’s Nations League clash with the Republic of Ireland marks the end of his six-game stint as Gareth Southgate’s interim successor, with Tuchel starting his quest to win the 2026 World Cup in the new year.

Carsley returns to his post as England Under-21s boss having leant on many young talents he knows well from last year’s European Championship triumph in Georgia.

Lee Carsley has promotion in sight before handing England reins to Thomas Tuchel

‘I feel like I’m at the peak of my game’ says Harry Kane ahead of England clash

16:10 , Chris Wilson

Harry Kane is not worried about his long-term England future, insisting he is in the best form of his career.

The England captain was left out of Thursday’s 3-0 Nations League win over Greece, which came just months after his form during Euro 2024 came under heavy scrutiny.

With new manager Thomas Tuchel starting in January, Kane could be vulnerable, but he insists his performances for Bayern Munich make him “one of the top goal-scorers in the world” and worthy of his selection.

‘I feel like I’m at the peak of my game’ says Harry Kane ahead of England clash

Why Lewis Hall can see stars aligning for him to meet England’s biggest need

16:05 , Chris Wilson

In their last 13 matches, England have only once started with a specialist left-back. Now a specialist left-back has emerged who debuted under Thomas Tuchel and who, even before the German takes charge, can benefit from the coaching of England’s most-capped full-back. If the autumn of 2023 was decidedly difficult for Lewis Hall, a year on, the stars could seem to be aligning for him.

Of the six uncapped players in Lee Carsley’s squad this month, Hall has the clearest path to a place in the team. Luke Shaw began the Euro 2024 final, but his outings have become rarities amid his injury problems. Kieran Trippier was the right-back pressed into service on the opposite flank in Germany but he has opted for international retirement.

In Carsley’s interim reign, Levi Colwill, Rico Lewis and Trent Alexander-Arnold have played out of position on the left; the Chelsea and Liverpool players have been ruled out this week’s double header against Greece and Republic of Ireland.

Team news

16:00 , Chris Wilson

The Republic of Ireland have made three changes to the side that beat Finland 1-0 on Thursday.

In defence, Matt Doherty drops out in favour of Dara O’Shea, while in midfield, Jayson Molumby replaces Jason Knight.Mark McGuinness also makes his debut, replacing Michael Johnston.

Team news

15:55 , Chris Wilson

England have made three changes from the side that beat Greece on Thursday night, with the main one being the return of Harry Kane – he replaces Ollie Watkins.

In defence, Ezri Konsa and Rico Lewis drop out in favour of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall.

Line-ups

15:51 , Chris Wilson

England XI: Pickford; Livramento, Walker, Guehi, Hall; Jones, Gallagher; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon, Kane.

Subs: Henderson, Lewis, Gibbs-White, Gomes, Quansah, Harwood-Bellis, Watkins, Rogers, Bowen, Solanke, Trafford.

Ireland XI: Kelleher; O’Shea, Collins, Scales, O’Dowda; Ebosele, Cullen, Molumby, McGuinness; Szmodics, Ferguson.

Subs: Travers, O’Leary, Doherty, Manning, O’Brien, Moran, Coventry, Azaz, McAteer, Johnston, Parrott, Cannon.

Harry Kane wants to get better with age but England have been shown a way to play without him

15:40 , Chris Wilson

Once again, Harry Kane is the first name on the England football teamteamsheet. Lee Carsley was still in Athens when he confirmed the captain would start on Sunday. For eight years, Gareth Southgate rarely needed to offer that information three days early, to try and deflect charges Kane had fallen out of favour. If he was fit, he played.

Now? Kane was fit and began on the bench against Greece. Others were fit, the striker had implied, and did not turn up. Kane appeared to be the last man standing up for the values of the Southgate era, when players enjoyed turning up for international duty. Carsley refused to criticise the no-shows, was happy to finish with a glorified Under-21 side and beat Greece 3-0. Kane had a bit-part role.

He had been outspoken before the game, Carsley more cautious. The interim manager showed a bolder streak in his choices. Yet his post-match rhetoric invited a question: when is a dropping not a dropping?

Kane wants to get better with age but England have seen way to play without him

England’s Ollie Watkins gamble pays off to leave tricky Harry Kane question

15:30 , Chris Wilson

In the tale of the captain and the caretaker, Lee Carsley’s great gamble paid off. England managers can be defined by a decision involving a talismanic striker. Graham Taylor ended Gary Lineker’s international career to bring on Alan Smith. Alf Ramsey preferred Geoff Hurst to Jimmy Greaves for a World Cup final. One got it wrong, the other very right.

Carsley’s reign will be briefer, the stakes lower. But if it risked being remembered for one selection, it was justified. Harry Kane, the skipper who criticised the teammates who did not seem to want to play for England, was himself denied a start.

Ollie Watkins began instead, scored with his first touch and set England on course to a redemptive win. Wretched at Wembley last month, when they lost to Greece, they exacted revenge in ultimately impressive fashion. The worst game of Carsley’s tenure came against Greece. So, now, did the best.

England’s Ollie Watkins gamble pays off to leave tricky Harry Kane question

When are the Nations League play-offs?

15:20 , Chris Wilson

The four third-placed teams from League A make up Pot 1 as seeded sides, while the four runners-up from League B, including either England or Greece from Group B2, enter in Pot 2.

Pot 2 teams are drawn first, then the seeded Pot 1 teams are drawn to complete the play-off ties, with the second legs played at the homes of Pot 1 sides.

Nations currently in the relegation play-off place in League A groups are Poland, Belgium, Hungary and Serbia, though much could change on the final gameweek.

The play-offs are scheduled to take place between 20 and 23 March 2025.

What do England need to secure promotion in the Nations League?

15:10 , Chris Wilson

England will secure promotion with a win over Republic of Ireland. If the Three Lions draw, they will still go up if Greece do not win, while they will also go up regardless if Greece lose.

Greece will be promoted with a win over Finland and England failing to win, or if the 2004 European champions draw and England lose.

If England do not secure top spot, England will be forced to tackle the League A/B play-offs to secure promotion. That task will place them up against a third-placed side from League A.

What do England need to get promoted in the Nations League?

15:00 , Chris Wilson

England face the Republic of Ireland at Wembley Stadium on Sunday to conclude their Nations League group stage.

The Three Lions’ rivals for top spot are Greece, who travel to Finland, the bottom side of Group B2 and without a win so far.

Lee Carsley will conclude his interim spell in charge before Thomas Tuchel takes over next year and begins the road to the 2026 World Cup.

Here’s everything you need to know about England’s hopes of securing promotion to League A:

What do England need to get promoted in the Nations League?

Prediction

14:50 , Chris Wilson

England looked very solid and aggressive against Greece with Jordan Pickford having a superb outing between the sticks. Lee Carsley’s young squad excelled at the top end of the pitch and will want to finish off this international break in style.

England 4-0 Republic of Ireland.

Predicted line-ups

14:40 , Chris Wilson

England XI: Henderson; Lewis, Walker, Guehi, Hall; Gallagher, Jones; Bowen, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane

Ireland XI: Kelleher; Doherty, Collins, Scales, O’Dowda; Edosele, Cullen, McAteer, Johnston; Parrott, Ferguson

Team news

14:30 , Chris Wilson

Lee Carsley confirmed that Harry Kane will start against the Republic of Ireland having been a second-half substitute against Greece during the week. Ezri Konsa went off with a hip injury during that match so Jarell Quansah or Taylor Harwood-Bellis may be in line for a debut.

Expect Carsley to make changes to the line-up with Jarrod Bowen, Morgan Rogers and Morgan Gibbs-White among those who could be awarded a starting berth.

Ireland’s Jason Knight collected a second yellow card of the group against Finland on Thursday meaning his is suspended for this match and Festy Ebosele had a knock and is a doubt for the game.

Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson may decide to switch things up and could bring Jayson Molumby into midfield to partner Josh Cullen while Troy Parrott would offer fresh legs at the top of the pitch.

Is England vs Ireland on TV tonight? Kick-off time, team news, channel and how to watch Nations League game

14:20 , Chris Wilson

When is England vs Ireland?

The Nations League finale takes place on Sunday 17 November with kick-off set for 5pm GMT.

Where can I watch the match?

England vs Ireland will be screened live on ITV1 and STV. It can be streamed via ITVX on compatible devices, as well as the STV Player.

England vs Ireland LIVE

14:10 , Chris Wilson

England host Republic of Ireland in the finale to this group stage of the Nations League as the two teams come face-to-face in a tantilising fixture at Wembley today.

The Three Lions come into the game having beaten Greece 3-0 on Thursday evening with a confident display that put them on top of Group B2 and should have their opponents worried. The match is also Lee Carsley’s final game in charge as interim boss before incoming manager Thomas Tuchel begins his reign in full force on January 1.

A win against the Irish will be enough to secure promotion back to the top tier of the Nations League and allow Tuchel to focus solely on the 2026 World Cup instead of facing a possible two-legged play-off for Uefa’s international competition.

Ireland, meanwhile, hope to build off the back of a 1-0 win over Finlandand bring the challenge to their near neighbours in what could be a historic result should they prove triumphant.

England vs Ireland LIVE

14:00 , Chris Wilson

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of this evening’s match between England and Ireland at Wembley.

The Three Lions sit top of Group B2 ahead of the final match of the group campaign and are hunting promotion, and they will get it if they manage to match or better Greece’s result against Finland.

For Ireland, there is no hope of promotion or fear of relegation, but they will be dreaming of securing a famous away result against Lee Carsley’s side.