Here’s how we rated the Boys in Green tonight.
DARREN RANDOLPH – 6
Not much Randolph could have done about the 3 England goals. Executed the basics well and showed good distribution. He was however hesitant to deal with a cross on one occasion, which could have easily lead to a Harry Maguire goal.
CYRUS CHRISTIE – 5
Cyrus Christie was afforded a rare international start tonight owing to Séamus Coleman’s absence. Looked good at times defensively in the first half. Unfortunately though, he gave away a penalty in the second half which led to England’s 3rd goal. Subbed off for Kevin Long in the 60th minute.
MATT DOHERTY – 6
Doherty had an unusual start at left back tonight due to Enda Stevens’ unfortunate injury. He played well in the unfamiliar position. He looked astute defensively and kept possession well.
SHANE DUFFY – 6
Although normally dominant in the air, he lost his 50/50 with Harry Maguire for the first England goal. Otherwise, made a handful of key blocks and looked fairly comfortable on the ball. Not his best game for Ireland, but not his worst.
JOHN EGAN – N/A
Egan was subbed off for Dara O’Shea in the 14th minute due to a head injury. His collision with Conor Hourihane while defending a corner was the cause of the injury.
ALAN BROWNE – 6
Injected good energy into the Ireland midfield as he regularly chased lost causes and made good runs for his teammates to pick him out. Combined well with Daryl Horgan in the first half which nearly resulted in an opportunity for Ireland. Had Ireland’s first shot of the night in the 70th minute which was saved by Dean Henderson.
CONOR HOURIHANE – 6
Played a few good crossfield passes throughout the game, however failed to progress the ball as he would have liked. Had a good chance from a set piece in the first half, but the ball was easily dealt with in the end. Subbed off for Jayson Molumby in the 70th minute.
JEFF HENDRICK – 7
Looked very good in possession when on the ball. Played a brilliant lofted ball into the box for Daryl Horgan which ultimately resulted in nothing. His work rate for Ireland has been criticized in the past, but he was very busy in midfield tonight.
DARYL HORGAN – 6
Daryl Horgan played just his 8th Ireland game tonight, starting on the right wing. He was arguably Ireland’s best player in the first half. He got behind the England backline on occasion and provided a few dangerous crosses. Unfortunately though, his crosses were not met by his teammates. Subbed in the 60th minute for Robbie Brady.
CALLUM O’DOWDA – 5
Was quiet and didn’t get on the ball as much as he would have liked. He did, however, perform well defensively when called into action. Subbed off for James McClean in the 60th minute.
ADAM IDAH – 6
Looked comfortable in possession but failed to create any danger in the opposition box. Normally plays in behind the defence, but was deployed in a more David McGoldrick-esque role tonight as he dropped deep on occasion to receive the ball. He also displayed good pressing throughout the match. Subbed off for Ronan Curtis in the 70th minute.
SUBSTITUTIONS
DARA O’SHEA – 6
Came on for John Egan in the 14th minute. Looked very comfortable on the ball as he sprayed passes while operating at centre back. Converted to right back after Cyrus Christie came off.
JAMES MCCLEAN – 5
Played one good cross into Shane Duffy towards the end of the match, but otherwise didn’t have much of an impact.
ROBBIE BRADY – 5
Kept possession well after coming on, but didn’t do much in other respects.
KEVIN LONG – 6
Did his job well when he came on. Made two vital interceptions towards the end of the game to halt England goalscoring opportunities.
JAYSON MOLUMBY – 6
Looked good in possession. He was always keen to get on the ball and made a good run in the 80th minute which eventually led to a Ronan Curtis shot. Covered a lot of ground after coming on.
RONAN CURTIS – 6
Made a good run turned shot in the 80th minute which forced Dean Henderson into a save. Otherwise, didn’t have much of an impact.
