England thrash Republic of Ireland to secure Nations League promotion with four new scorers

Four players celebrated their first international goals in an extraordinary display that saw the Three Lions dominate their opponents after the break.

The comprehensive victory ensured England finished top of Group B2, having entered the match ahead of Greece on head-to-head record.

Carsley’s tenure concluded in emphatic style, with his side demonstrating clinical finishing and tactical superiority in what became a memorable evening at the national stadium.

The match’s pivotal moment came six minutes into the second half when Liam Scales fouled Jude Bellingham in the penalty area, resulting in both a spot-kick and a second yellow card for the Irish defender.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis grabbed his first England goal after coming on for his debut

Reuters

Harry Kane, who had shown his brilliance by dropping deep to play the through ball to Bellingham, stepped up to convert the penalty.

The sending off dramatically altered the complexion of the game, with England enjoying 75 per cent possession even before Ireland were reduced to ten men.

It proved to be the catalyst for an extraordinary goal rush, transforming what had been a tepid affair with no shots on target in the first half into a commanding England performance.

The Three Lions wasted no time in capitalising on their numerical advantage, as the floodgates opened at Wembley.

Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon was the first to join the scoring party, dispatching a deflected cross from his club teammate Tino Livramento just two minutes after Kane’s opener.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher then made it three, netting from Marc Guehi’s flick with 58 minutes on the clock.

The parade of first-time scorers continued as Jarrod Bowen struck through a crowd of defenders with his first touch after coming on as a substitute.

Debutant Taylor Harwood-Bellis completed the rout by adding England’s fifth, marking a remarkable evening where four players opened their international accounts.

The extraordinary sequence of goals highlighted England’s depth of talent, with new stars emerging to complement Kane’s established excellence.

Carsley’s successful six-game stint as interim manager concluded with England achieving their primary objective of promotion to Nations League A.

Harry Kane scored the opener from the penalty spot

Reuters

While there had been murmurings about his candidacy for the permanent position, the shadow of Thomas Tuchel’s impending arrival meant his tenure was always likely to be temporary.

The interim boss made his mark by blooding new players and taking tactical gambles, all while securing the crucial promotion that will see England face stronger opposition in their next Nations League campaign.

Anthony Gordon scored his first England goal on Sunday

Reuters

His faith in youth was particularly evident, with Chelsea academy graduates featuring prominently in his selections.

The victory at Wembley provided a fitting finale to Carsley’s brief but impactful spell at the helm, leaving a legacy of promoting young talent and securing England’s return to Europe’s elite tier.