Republic of Ireland welcomed England to Dublin for an international friendly on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts had the better of the first period, but neither could make the breakthrough in the opening 45 minutes.
The tempo improved after the break, but the score remained goalless for the entirety of the action in Ireland.
Both teams will switch their focus to Euro 2016 qualification next weekend.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! It is that time of the year again – international football is back with us. Qualification for Euro 2016 continues next weekend, but friendlies have been taking place across the world over the last couple of days. Here, our focus is on Republic of Ireland versus England from Dublin. It is the first meeting between the two nations on Irish soil since the Lansdowne Road riots of 20 years ago.
First and foremost, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news.
TEAMS:
ROI: Westwood; Coleman, O'Shea, Wilson, Brady; McCarthy, Whelan, Hendrick; McGeady, McColdrick, Murphy
ENG: Hart; Jones, Cahill, Smalling, Bertrand; Henderson, Milner, Wilshere; Sterling, Rooney, Lallana
So there we have it. Plenty of familiar names in the ROI lineup, with Premier League players Seamus Coleman, John O'Shea, Marc Wilson, James McCarthy, Glenn Whelan and Aiden McGeady all included. There are also starts in attack for Ipswich Town duo Daryl Murphy and David McGoldrick. Murphy comes into the game off the back of a fine season with Ipswich, but has not scored in 14 caps for Ireland.
There is only one new name in the ROI squad and that is Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter, who is on the bench this afternoon. McGoldrick is only making his second appearance for his country, while at the other end of the scale, O'Shea will make his 103rd appearance in a Republic of Ireland shirt.
As for England, new boys Tom Heaton, Jamie Vardy and Charlie Austin are all on the bench. Skipper Wayne Rooney will play through the middle on his 104th appearance for the Three Lions, while there are also spots in the team for Liverpool duo Adam Lallana and Raheem Sterling. Further back, Phil Jones will operate at right-back, with Chris Smalling partnering Gary Cahill in the centre of defence.
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Aside from Rooney, who has scored 47 times for his country, there are not too many international goals in this England XI. Sterling has only scored once in 14 games, while Lallana is yet to register in 13. Henderson, Wilshere and Milner, meanwhile, only have one goal between them in a combined 99 caps.
Somewhat surprisingly, England have not beaten Ireland since a friendly in March 1985, although four of their five meetings since then have finished level. Ireland were also beating England 1-0 the last time that they hosted the Three Lions in February 1995, before the match was abandoned due to crowd trouble. Prior to that, they had lost two and drawn three of their games against England in Dublin.
The last time that these two nations met was in May 2013 at Wembley, when the spoils were shared in a 1-1 draw. Shane Long opened the scoring for Republic of Ireland in the 13th minute of the international friendly, before Frank Lampard levelled the scores 10 minutes later. That game occurred during a period when the pressure was seriously increasing on under-fire England boss Roy Hodgson.
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In terms of recent form, Republic of Ireland have actually only won two of their last nine international friendlies, with those two victories occurring against Oman and United States. O'Neill's side have lost just one of their last seven matches in all competitions, however, and are still well-placed in their Euro 2016 qualification group despite sitting in fourth position. Qualification is still very much within reach.
Republic of Ireland have taken eight points from their five Group D games during Euro 2016 qualification, and as mentioned, that has left them in fourth position. It is better than it sounds, however, with just three points separating the top four in that particular group. O'Neill's side host Scotland next Saturday in a game that needs absolutely no introduction. It is just massive for both nations.
Republic of Ireland did qualify for Euro 2012, but were eliminated in the group stages after losing all three matches. They have not qualified for any of the last three World Cups, however, which is surprising when considering the quality they possess. Scotland is undoubtedly the big one on the horizon, and they are not in action again until September, when they travel to minnows Gibraltar.
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England, on the other hand, are unbeaten in nine internationals. That run of fixtures has brought seven wins and 20 goals, while they have conceded just three times. England's last competitive match was also a friendly, with Hodgson's side drawing 1-1 in Italy back in March. They have become a difficult team to beat since a disappointing 2014 World Cup, but there are still more questions than answers.
England arrived in Brazil last summer full of optimism, but did not win a single group game – losing to both Italy and Uruguay, before drawing with Costa Rica in their final match. It was a bitterly disappointing campaign, but qualification for Euro 2016 seems almost secure. As it stands, the Three Lions sit atop Group E having won all five of their group matches. They have been impressive since last summer.
Like Republic of Ireland, England are also in competitive action next weekend when they travel to Slovenia, who currently sit second in Group E on nine points. Victory there would place Hodgson's side in a commanding position, while a draw would also be seen as a strong result. In truth, only an incredible collapse will stop the Three Lions from qualifying for the tournament in France next summer.
England's recent form might be strong, but they have actually only won one of their last six friendlies played outside of England. Results in friendlies are always secondary to more pressing matters, but Hodgson will not want to suffer a set-back here. As we all know, every game involving England is scrutinised, and that will again be the case this afternoon. Little over 15 minutes until kickoff here.
It is also worth mentioning that Republic of Ireland are unbeaten in their last four home games in all competitions – winning three times and scoring an impressive 14 goals in the process. They lost away to Scotland back in November, but went to world champions Germany the month before and claimed a 1-1 draw. It is a team that knows how to compete with the very best sides at both home and abroad.
"They (the players) have been very good in training. The enthusiasm and attitude has been strong. It is always a tough challenge to play away from home and it will be an interesting test," England boss Hodgson has just told ITV. The atmosphere is starting to build with kickoff fast approaching in Dublin.
Sterling's club future is very much up in the air at the moment and he will be keen to put on a strong performance this afternoon. I am sure that Manchester City will be watching... can Raheem produce?
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PREDICTION! It is always difficult to predict what will occur in friendly games, and I am finding it difficult to back either side with any real confidence. England are stronger on paper, but Republic of Ireland are strong on their own patch. I am going to sit on the fence somewhat and back a 1-1 draw here.
Here we go then. Both sets of players have joined us on the pitch in Dublin. Once the anthems have been sung, we will be just about ready to get the action underway. Let's hope for an entertaining match.
England's anthem down... now time for the Republic of Ireland.
Let's hope we are speaking about matters on the field this afternoon and not events in the stands. There is a good atmosphere inside the stadium as the hosts get the first 45 minutes underway in Dublin.
Bright start from the home side as McGoldrick almost immediately wins a corner from Smalling, and another set piece follows, which is met by Murphy before the whistle is blown. Good start here!
It has been a very open start to proceedings in Dublin, with Henderson already breaking forward and attempting to collect a pass from Wilshere. The early signs are that we will have an entertaining game.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening five minutes, but Republic of Ireland have been very confident in possession of the ball. The pressure is off here, but the result is still important.
England have been a little sloppy in possession thus far, which is allowing the home team to take control in the middle third. Not much of an atmosphere at the moment it must be said - typical friendly!
Half-chance for the home team as Brady delivers a super cross towards Murphy, but Smalling is on hand to clear at the near post. Brilliant cross and really good defending from the Manchester United man.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Rooney has seen a bit of the ball outside the Republic of Ireland penalty area. O'Shea, however, has been nice and solid thus far. Neither manager will be too surprised with what they have seen thus far. It is a good game though.
Just a few signs that England are starting to get on top here, with Wilshere and Milner enjoying possession in the middle of the park. It is all a little tight in the final third at the moment, however.
Neither side has really come close to scoring in the opening 15 minutes, but both have shown decent periods of play in the final third. Republic of Ireland have another half-chance as McGeady delivers a super cross towards McGoldrick, but Smalling just does enough to stop the header en route to goal.
Republic of Ireland are working the ball into wide areas this afternoon, and Jones has found McGeady difficult to contain. A deep free kick from Hendrick arrives in the England box, but Rooney clears.
Hendrick's header from the resulting corner is collected by Hart. Good spell for the hosts.
We have not seen too much from Sterling thus far, and the Liverpool attacker is being booed when he does pick up the ball. It is the type of game that really needs a goal, but no sign of it thus far!
In truth, not too much is happening at the moment. England are seeing more of the ball, but the final delivery from wide areas has been disappointing. The atmosphere has also dropped at the Aviva.
The supporters are doing their best to raise the volume inside the stadium, but not too much is happening on the field at the moment. The final ball from both teams has been very poor thus far.
Bertrand has been down the England left on a couple of occasions in the last few moments, but crossing in general has been poor this afternoon. We are still waiting for the first notable chance in Dublin.
CHANCE! Finally a chance of note as Murphy wins a header before driving into the England box, but the striker's effort is tipped wide of the post by Hart. Sloppy defending from England.
Both of these teams are comfortable on the ball, but the final pass from both has been poor thus far. Republic of Ireland have just shaded the game, however, which will surely please Martin O'Neill.
No sign of any crowd trouble at the moment, which is one positive about the game thus far. Matters on the field have been poor, with both teams continually struggling to find that elusive final ball here.
England attempt to work a free kick short and the move ends with Wilshere striking wide of the goal. Nothing from Hodgson's side in the final third thus far, which is really disappointing at this stage.
CHANCE! Hendrick delivers another wonderful free kick into the England box, but Murphy's header flies wide of the post. Murphy has had the game's two best chances this afternoon.
Better from England as Jones drives down the right before delivering a low cross into the box, but O'Shea is across to clear at the vital moment. Much better from Sterling and Jones in a wide area there.
This match is almost made for an Austin or a Vardy to come on and make an impression in the second period. Both managers are going to ring the changes and that will not necessary be a bad thing!
England have a free kick in an advanced position as Hendrick brings Bertrand to the ground...
... Lallana delivers towards the far post, but it is too high for Smalling. Very poor.
Good football from England as the ball is worked inside the Republic of Ireland box, but the final pass just goes astray and the danger is cleared. Finally some positive signs from Hodgson's side in Dublin.
BOOKING! McCarthy (ROI) is booked for a late challenge on Wilshere.
Lallana finds a yard of space outside the Republic of Ireland box, but his effort is too high.
Half-chance for the home side as McGeady wins the ball down the left before finding McGoldrick, but the striker's effort is deflected wide of the post, and the resulting corner is eventually cleared.
HALF-TIME: Republic of Ireland 0-0 England
Well, that wasn't very good. The referee brings the first period to a close and we are goalless in Dublin. Republic of Ireland have had the game's best two chances through Murphy, but the striker was unable to convert on either occasion. England, however, have really struggled to make their mark in attack.
STATS! England have just about shaded the possession with 53%, but they have only had one attempt and that was a wayward strike from Lallana. Republic of Ireland, meanwhile, have had six attempts, but not hit the target. In truth, it was a very disappointing first 45 minutes this afternoon.
BENCH WATCH! Both managers are obviously expected to ring the changes throughout the remainder of the match. The home nation have the likes of Arter, Keogh, Hoolahan, Long and Walters in reserve this afternoon. Meanwhile, England boss Hodgson could hand international debuts to the likes of Austin and Vardy. Barkley, Delph and Walcott will also be hoping to see some minutes in Dublin.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period in Dublin. Will we have a goal? Let's just hope that the tempo is a little better. England get the second 45 minutes underway.
SUBS! Republic of Ireland have made two changes at the break, with McClean and Long entering the field in place of McCarthy and McGoldrick. No changes from England thus far.
It has been a decent start to the second period from England, who are immediately on the front foot. Once again the final ball from a wide area is poor, however, and the move breaks down.
England continue to feed the ball into Rooney, but it has not really happened for the Manchester United forward this afternoon. Sterling and Lallana, meanwhile, have both been poor in wide areas here.
CHANCE! First real opportunity for England as Henderson slides a pass into Rooney, who was through on goal, but the striker's touch is heavy and Westwood is out to claim. What a chance!
CHANCE! Opportunity for the hosts this time as Brady delivers a super free kick towards the near post, but Hart just manages to scramble clear amid a host of bodies. Good goalkeeping.
Still no movement on the England bench, which is a little surprising at this stage of the match. Jones finds space in a wide area for the visitors before delivering, but Wilson is on hand to firmly head clear.
Opportunity for England as Sterling meets a loose ball inside the box before curling one towards the far corner, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Moments before, Henderson had a powerful effort blocked. A little better from Hodgson's side in the last couple of minutes, but still no goal.
McClean almost beats Hart with a cross from a wide area, but it just lands on the top of the goal.
SUB! The hosts make their third change as Walters replaces Murphy.
England again break on Republic of Ireland and have an opportunity when Wilshere feeds Sterling, but the winger's cross is cleared. Moments later, O'Shea fouls Rooney just outside the box...
... Rooney takes the free kick, but it is a fairly comfortable save for Westwood.
Another half-chance for England as Rooney meets a deep cross from Bertrand, but O'Shea manages to head clear, before Jones heads over the crossbar. Still goalless with 60 minutes on the clock.
SUB! The hosts make their fourth change as Given replaces Westwood.
CHANCE! Good opportunity for the hosts as Walters strikes one from the edge of the box, but Hart is on hand to push clear. There have been more chances for both teams since the interval.
SUB! Republic of Ireland make their fifth change as Arter replaces Whelan.
Still no movement on the England bench, which is really surprising at this stage of proceedings.
Sterling goes down inside the Republic of Ireland box under a challenge from O'Shea, but the referee is not interested. Moments later, Milner drives a low cross into the box, but Wilson clears.
SUBS! England make a double change as Townsend and Barkley replace Sterling and Wilshere.
Half-chance for Barkley as the ball falls for the Everton midfielder outside the box, but his effort was always curling over the crossbar. Moments before, O'Shea beat Rooney to a cross from Townsend.
Another half-chance for England as Barkley drives to the edge of the box before sliding a super pass into Milner, but McClean is across to make a fine challenge. Still goalless with 69 minutes played.
Townsend has been really bright since entering for England, but O'Shea has been very good in the air this afternoon. Jamie Vardy, meanwhile, is preparing to enter for his international debut in Dublin.
SUB! The hosts make a sixth change as McShane replaces O'Shea.
Little over 15 minutes of football remaining and we are still waiting for the first goal. England are looking the more likely at the moment, but Arter has just fired a powerful effort wide of Hart's post.
SUBS! England make a double change as Jagielka and Vardy replace Cahill and Rooney.
Arter again finds space outside the England box, but the midfielder could not slide a pass into Walters. You just get the feeling that there is a goal in this game as the play continues to open up in Dublin.
Jones delivers another cross into the Republic of Ireland box, but McShane is on hand to clear. England are looking the more likely, but Hodgson's side have been a little sloppy in defensive areas.
Half-chance for England as Milner picks out the head of Smalling with a dangerous cross, but the centre-back's effort is collected by Given. Still goalless with little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
Given is called into action to deny Townsend as England continue to threaten in the final third, with Vardy making a difference inside the box. Walcott is preparing to enter in England's fifth change here.
SUB! England make the change as Walcott replaces Lallana.
Another half-chance for England as Barkley finds space outside the box, but the midfielder was unbalanced when he had the shot and it was always moving wide. Still goalless in Dublin here.
England have looked the more likely in the second half, but neither team has really done enough to deserve to be leading at this stage. Overall, it has been a poor game and that is being kind.
There is still time for one team to grab a winner here, but not much is happening!
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes in Dublin.
Well, there has been no crowd trouble this afternoon, which is the main positive from this game. Matters on the field have been disappointing and it does appear that we will end goalless!
England on the front foot as we play out the final seconds here.
FULL-TIME: Republic of Ireland 0-0 England
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with the match finishing 0-0 in Dublin. In truth, it was a really poor game. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action nonetheless and be sure to look out for the analysis and player ratings. Good afternoon!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
