English Schools' Football Association

England boys with Carnegie Shield

England share honours with Northern Ireland

England started dangerously, on a wet night in Ireland, when Taylor Morgan cut in from the left and squared an inviting ball to Watson, but his effort was blocked well by the hosts defence after just two minutes.

England keeper, Tom Pass, was called into early action on 8 minutes, when he made a terrific acrobatic save, from Paul Corry’s free-kick.

England danger man, Taylor Morgan, showed tremendous power and pace on 9 minutes when he stole the ball from the Irish in his own half and outstripped their defence only to see his shot well saved by Ireland keeper, Hanley.

As the first half wore on, the Republic of Ireland were gaining plenty of possession, without creating too many clear cut chances. James Libby in particular was looking as rock solid at centre half, while Tom Pass was looking assured in goal.

On 32 minutes, Corry again went close for the hosts, when he cut in from the left only to see his curled goalbound effort headed clear by England defender, Carter.

England, again came close on 40 minutes, when Wheeler headed over from six yards following an England free kick. England finished the half strongly, but could only engineer long range efforts which were well off target.

The second half started much the same as the first, with Ireland enjoying plenty of possession, while England sat back and looked to utilise the pace of Morgan and Norwood, who was introduced at the interval for England captain, Watson.

Ireland should have taken the lead on 55 minutes when Benson blazed over from close range, following one of many Ireland corners.

Chances were few and far between in the second period, but the deadlock was eventually broken on 74 minutes when the impressive Morgan stood a high ball to the far post where former Everton FC Academy player, Jacob Baptista, headed home past the advancing Hanley.

Morgan nearly extended England’s lead on 82 minutes, when he robbed Duane on the edge of his own penalty box and unleashed a low drive which the keeper did well to tip round the post.

England’s James Norwood also went close in injury time as Ireland threw players forward, but his goalbound effort was cleared off the line. The win for England broke the Republic of Ireland’s amazing unbeaten run in this competition of 22 matches

The win also meant that England, who finished equal top of the final table, will now share the Carnegie Centenary Shield with Northern Ireland.

To view results and final league table go to www.esfa.co.uk/international

Team Line Ups

Republic of Ireland: Hanley, Harney, A. Boyle, T. Boyle, Storan, Hughes, Burke, Broughall, Corry, Keohane, Howard. Subs: Forsyth (for Storan, 78 mins), Gaffney (for Broughall, 56 mins), Duane (for T. Boyle, 63 mins), Benson (for Keohane, 45 mins). Subs not used: McCarney, Fallon and Morrison.

England: Pass, Tasker, Clayton, Libby, Carter, Johnson, Baptista, Wheeler, Ellis, Morgan, Watson. Subs: Whitehead (for Tasker, 57 mins), Norwood (for Ellis, 45 mins), Knight (for Watson, 59 mins). Subs not used: Norris, Hancock, Scott.

Att: 1375