England secured automatic promotion to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League in commanding fashion with a 5-0 victory over Ireland on Sunday. Despite a lackluster first half, where they struggled to find their rhythm, the Three Lions surged after the break, with Harry Kane’s brilliant pass and clinical finishing from Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, and substitutes Jarrod Bowen and Taylor Harwood-Bellis sealing a comprehensive win.
Here’s how the England players rated at Wembley Stadium:
| Player | Rating | Performance Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan Pickford | 5/10 | Had a quiet evening, with little to do, but passed his 73rd cap, matching Gordon Banks’ record. |
| Tino Livramento | 6/10 | Impressive debut, positive play despite a couple of sloppy passes. Contributed to the build-up of Gordon’s goal. |
| Kyle Walker | 5/10 | Comfortable at centre-back, less so at full-back. Nearly scored from a corner but headed over. |
| Marc Guehi | 6/10 | A bit fortunate not to concede a penalty but otherwise solid in defence and contributed to Gallagher’s goal with a knockdown. |
| Lewis Hall | 6/10 | Played well on both ends of the pitch. Important recovery run after Livramento’s error. |
| Curtis Jones | 6/10 | Not as dominant as on his debut, but showed good confidence, particularly when weaving through Ireland’s midfield. |
| Conor Gallagher | 7/10 | Aggressive and energetic throughout. Scored his first international goal with a bundled finish. |
| Jude Bellingham | 8/10 | Ran the midfield, won the penalty, and set up Harwood-Bellis with a pinpoint cross. Another standout display. |
| Noni Madueke | 7/10 | Was a constant threat down the left, twisting and turning to create problems for Ireland’s defence. |
| Harry Kane | 8/10 | Frustrated in the first half but came alive after the break, delivering a brilliant pass to set up Bellingham and converting his penalty calmly. |
| Anthony Gordon | 7/10 | Got more involved as the match went on and scored his first international goal with a sharp volley. |
| Taylor Harwood-Bellis | 7/10 | A dream debut, scoring his first international goal, capping off a memorable performance. |
| Jarrod Bowen | 7/10 | Scored within moments of coming on, finishing neatly to mark his first international goal. |
| Morgan Rogers | 5/10 | Limited time on the pitch and unable to make a significant impact. |
| Dominic Solanke | 5/10 | Will be disappointed with his limited involvement in the goal surge. |
| Angel Gomes | 5/10 | Moved the ball well but earned a booking in the 11 minutes he was on the field. |
| Lee Carsley | 7/10 | Overcame a slow first half, and his substitutions turned the game around, ensuring a brilliant 5-0 win. Can be pleased with his performance as interim boss. |
Match Overview
The game started slowly for England, who lacked cutting edge in the first half, but after the break. A game-changing moment came in the form of Harry Kane’s brilliant pass to release Jude Bellingham. Who won a penalty after being fouled by Liam Scales, who was subsequently sent off. Kane coolly slotted the penalty, and England were off and running.
Less than two minutes later, Anthony Gordon volleyed in from a corner to double the lead, followed by Conor Gallagher bundling in the third goal. Substitutes Jarrod Bowen and Taylor Harwood-Bellis capped the win with their first international goals, adding further flair to an impressive performance.
England’s emphatic win not only ensured their return to the top tier of the Nations League but also highlighted the depth of talent at manager Lee Carsley’s disposal.
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