England have been promoted back to League A of the Nations League after beating the Republic of Ireland 5-0 – in what marked Lee Carsley’s last game as head coach.
After a goalless first half, Ireland defender Liam Scales was sent off for a second yellow card when he brought down Jude Bellingham inside the box.
Harry Kane then scored a penalty to put England ahead, before Anthony Gordon and Conor Gallagher added two goals in just six minutes.
Substitutions Jarrod Bowen and Taylor Harwood-Bellis then added two more for the hosts at Wembley.
The 5-0 loss sends the Republic of Ireland into the relegation play-offs, while England have returned to League A – with teams including France, Spain and Italy.
It marked Carsley’s game as interim manager, with former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel to take charge after being confirmed as England’s new head coach in October.
Speaking after Sunday’s game, Carsley said he felt “a bit of relief” securing promotion, adding to ITV: “I wanted the England team to be exciting to watch, be attacking.
“I see them day in, day out on the training ground and now people have seen it. It’s given the staff and myself the confidence we can do the job.
“You always doubt yourself, whether you could do it or not.”
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FA executive Mark Bullingham also released a statement thanking Carsley for his service after the game, saying: “The players have really enjoyed working with Lee and his team – they have made a real impact in their interim roles.
“Lee will now return to the Under-21s and will continue to play a vital role supporting the seniors by developing England’s best young players.”
England will now turn their attention to the World Cup qualifying draw on 13 December – for which they are in Pot 1.
Tuchel will also officially start his role on 1 January.
