Harry Maguire achieved a level of England redemption as familiar face Jack Grealish helped put the Republic of Ireland to the sword in a comfortable win at Wembley.
With Harry Kane rested, Maguire landed the captain’s armband which the 27-year-old appeared to earn when he opened the scoring in the first half.
Next it was the turn of Jadon Sancho’s, claiming his first international goal in 14 months before a Dominic Calvert-Lewin penalty settled a one-sided affair.
Jude Bellingham also became the third-youngest player in England’s history, the Borussia Dortmund player coming on in the closing stages for his debut at the tender age of 17 years, 136 days.
Ireland were without a host of regular names due to injury and failed to have a shot on target in the opening 70 minutes, with Stephen Kenny still waiting for his first win in charge.
Both Grealish and Michael Keane, who represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level, were both included on the English teamsheet, as Declan Rice looked on from the stands.
Grealish has been in fine form for Aston Villa and impressed on his second England start as Southgate gave him another chance to stake his claim for a more regular position in his side.
