England needed a win to secure promotion to UEFA Nations League A, but they initially faced a resolute Irish defense, with the visitors pulling nearly everyone back to shield goalkeeper Kelleher.

Throughout the first half, Ireland’s tight coverage allowed few opportunities for England. Apart from some penetrating runs by Madueke into the penalty area, Liverpool’s Kelleher remained mostly unthreatened due to his teammates’ disciplined defense.

Both teams played a cautious game, and neither registered a shot on target in the first 45 minutes. Tensions flared near the end of the half, leading to some unnecessary yellow cards for England.

The second half, however, was a different story. In the 51st minute, Bellingham earned a penalty for England and caused Ireland’s Scales to be sent off with a second yellow.

Kane, who had passed to Bellingham in the buildup, calmly converted the penalty, skillfully placing his shot in the opposite direction of Kelleher’s dive to open the scoring.

Just two minutes later, Gordon capitalized on a defensive lapse from Ireland, volleying in from close range to make it 2-0. In the 58th minute, England struck again from a corner; Guehi directed a header that set up Gallagher for a simple tap-in near the goal.

With a comfortable lead, England eased into a more relaxed tempo. Still, they added two more goals from substitutes Bowen and Harwood-Bellis, both assisted by the brilliant Bellingham, sealing an emphatic victory for the “Three Lions.”