England’s winless run against neighbours the Republic of Ireland was extended to six matches on Sunday following a torpid 0-0 draw in a friendly at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
It was the first time England had played in Dublin since rioting far-right hooligans caused a friendly in February 1995 to be abandoned after only 27 minutes, but while the reunion passed off without incident off the pitch, there was precious little to stir the blood on it.
It was nonetheless a memorable occasion for England forward Jamie Vardy and Ireland midfielder Harry Arter, both of whom made their international debuts.
Both teams will now switch their attentions to 2016 European Championship qualifiers next weekend, when Ireland host Scotland in a key Group D fixture and England look to extend their 100 per cent record in Group E away to Slovenia.
The Football Association had written to England’s 3,000 travelling fans, warning them not to repeat chants about Irish paramilitary group the IRA that had been aired at recent away games against Scotland and Italy.
But it was with wit, rather than viciousness, that England’s fans goaded their hosts, chanting “Sepp Blatter, he paid for your ground!” in reference to this week’s revelation that Fifa paid the Football Association of Ireland €5 million (Dh20.4m) after Thierry Henry’s handball took France to the 2010 World Cup at Ireland’s expense.
A small number of home fans whistled during ‘God Save the Queen’, but it was Liverpool contract rebel Raheem Sterling who bore the brunt of their ire.
Generally, though, the atmosphere was as flat as a pancake, reflecting a drab game with a distinct end-of-term feel.
England’s probings, generally instigated by midfield anchor Jack Wilshere, came to nought, and it was Ireland who created what few chances there were in the first half.
Daryl Murphy jabbed fractionally wide from Jeff Hendrick’s flick-on, while David McGoldrick, Murphy’s Ipswich Town teammate, saw a shot deflected behind by Gary Cahill.
It was not until a minute before half time that England mustered an attempt at goal, Adam Lallana cutting in from the left and shooting over.
England captain Wayne Rooney was a virtual bystander in the first half, and when Jordan Henderson’s pass gave him a clear run on goal early in the second, his touch betrayed him.
The game began to open up a bit, though, with England goalkeeper Joe Hart ferrying a Robbie Brady free kick around his near post and parrying from substitute Jon Walters at one end, and Sterling shooting wide at the other.
A gaggle of Irish substitutions early in the second half included a debut for Bournemouth midfielder Arter, who replaced Glenn Whelan.
Leicester City striker Vardy entered the fray with 16 minutes to play, replacing Rooney, to complete a remarkable three-year ascent from non-league to international football.
After Arter had drilled wide following a run from deep, England substitute Andros Townsend took aim from distance, but Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given, who had replaced Keiren Westwood, got down well to keep the visitors without a win in Ireland since a 3-1 friendly win in May 1964.
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