Ireland U16s winning run brought to an end by England

England 2 Republic of Ireland 0

The Republic of Ireland Men’s Under-16s six match winning run is over as they were beaten 2-0 by England in a friendly at St George’s Park on Friday afternoon.

Chelsea's Landon Emenalo and Southampton's Alejandro Rodriguez struck late to win it for the hosts but the young Boys in Green played their part in an entertaining encounter at the end of a productive 2023 campaign.

Ireland were looking to continue their winning streak in their first meeting with the English at this age grade since 2019 when, with the help of striker Evan Ferguson, the Irish secured a victory on penalties following a 3-3 draw.

And it was the visitors who created the first chance of the contest in the fourth minute when Billy Hayes broke forward from a counter attack and forced Oliver Mayer into a smart save.

In the 14th minute Ali Topcu was called into action when Harrison Miles hit a fierce strike at goal but the Shelbourne man got down well to parry the effort behind.

Jaden Umeh was the next man to test Mayer when he outpaced the England defence to fire at goal but the Cork City man couldn’t quite apply the finish.

Umeh continued to be a problem for the English side, this time flashing a cross across goal that England scrambling the ball away.

In the 55th minute Ireland made a number of changes and it was one of those substitutes, Goodness Ogbonna, who drew a fine save from substitute goalkeeper Jack Porter when he managed to deflect the volley over the bar for a corner.

Ireland had a glorious chance to take the lead when Oisin McDonagh met a free-kick from close range but could only turn his attempt over the bar.

This would spark England into life and they would score against the run of play in the 70th