England returned to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League in emphatic fashion as the Republic of Ireland were thrashed at Wembley in Lee Carsley’s final game as interim manager.
Carsley hands over to Thomas Tuchel, who starts on Jan 1, after winning five of his six games, with England turning on the power here following a drab first half to run riot after the break.
Harry Kane broke the deadlock from the spot eight minutes after half-time, the captain's superb pass releasing Jude Bellingham, who was fouled by Liam Scales, earning the defender a second yellow card and a dismissal.
England capitalised on the numerical advantage ruthlessly, Anthony Gordon scoring his first England goal two minutes later, pouncing at the far post after the Republic defence failed to clear debutant Tino Livramento's cross.
As England overpowered the depleted and dispirited visitors, Conor Gallagher and substitute Jarrod Bowen also got on the mark for the first time at senior level.
Gallagher stole in on Marc Guehi's flick from Noni Madueke's corner after 58 minutes while Bowen beat Republic keeper Caoimhin Kelleher with his first touch 15 minutes from time.
The firsts continued as Taylor Harwood-Bellis, the future son-in-law of former Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane, came on as a second-half substitute for Kyle Walker and marked his debut by flashing a header past Kelleher.
Haaland fires Norway into League A
Haaland was at his destructive best as Norway brushed aside Kazakhstan 5-0 to finish top of Group B3 ahead of Austria who were held to a 1-1 draw by Slovenia.
The Manchester City star broke the deadlock, pouncing on a rebound in the 23rd minute.
Haaland nodded in his 37th international goal 14 minutes later, before Antonio Nusa added a Norwegian third of a dominant first half.
Haaland completed his fourth treble for Norway with 19 minutes remaining, turning away from his marker on the edge of the area and finishing low into the bottom corner with his right foot.
Nusa scored again as Norway snatched automatic promotion from Austria, who conceded a late equaliser to Slovenia in Vienna.
The 2024-25 UEFA Nations League knockout stage draw will take place in Nyon, Switzerland, from mid day on Nov 22, 2024. The ties are to take place on Mar 20 and 23, 2025.
