Republic of Ireland v England Football Results

The Republic of Ireland has played England on 16 occasions. The countries have met in the qualifiers and at the finals of the two main football competitions, the European Championships and the World Cup.

The first match between Ireland and England was a friendly match at Dalymount Park in September 1946. It was Ireland’s 37th international match. An 83rd minute goal by the great Tom Finney secured an away victory for the English in front of and attendance of almost 32,000.

Ireland Becomes First Team to Beat England in England

On 21 September 1949 Ireland played England in a friendly match at Goodison Park in Liverpool. It was just the second meeting between the two nations and Ireland became the first foreign team to beat England on home soil. In front of a crowd of 51,487 a first half penalty by Con Martin and a late second half goal from Peter Farrell secured a famous victory for the Irish.

The Irish team to beat England on that memorable day was: Tom Aherne, Johnny Carey (captain), Con Martin, Peter Farrell, Tommy Moroney, Peter Corr, Peter Desmond, Davy Walsh, Tommy O’Connor, Willie Walsh, Tommy Godwin.

Ireland’s First Competitive Match Against England

Eight years later in the third meeting between the two nations England beat Ireland 5-1 at Wembley Stadium in a 1958 World Cup qualifier. A first half hat trick from Tommy Taylor (one of the Manchester United’s Busby Babes to tragically die in the Munich air disaster within less than a year of this match) and a brace from John Atyeo gave the English a comprehensive victory in this Group 1 qualifier. Dermot Curtis scored Ireland’s consolation goal after 56 minutes however the English had already established an unassailable four goal lead at this stage.

In the return match just 11 days later at Dalymount Park, Ireland almost secured another historic victory over the old enemy. The match and result was defined by two book-end goals. Alf Ringstead scored for Ireland after just three minutes sending the 47,000 crowd wild with delirium. Ireland’s torturer-in-chief from the previous match in Wembley had been thoroughly shackled by Charlie Hurley of Milwall on his international debut. His efforts in this match won Hurley a transfer from the Third Division South outfit to First Division Sunderland where he went on to earn the nickname The King at Roker Park and he was later named the club’s Player of the Century.

Unfortunately for Hurley and his team mates their heroic efforts were dashed in the 90th minute as John Atyeo scored a last minute effort to take his goal total to three over the two ties.

Ireland’s First Match at Major Finals is Against England

Ireland’s first overseas manager Jack Charlton led the Republic to qualification for a major football championship finals at his first attempt. Ireland topped Group 7 of the Euro 1988 qualifiers ensuring a major finals debut in Stuttgart in June 1988 against England. Ireland secured a notable 1-0 courtesy of a Ray Houghton goal. For full details see Ireland V England in Stuttgart 1988.

Ireland Play England at 1990 World cup Finals

Amazingly the two teams were drawn in the same group at the next major championship finals in the 1990 World Cup in Italy. Almost exactly two years to the day the two teams lined up to play each other in the opening match of Group F. England striker Gary Lineker grabbed and early lead using his chest to steer the ball past Irish goalkeeper Packie Bonner. This lead was cancelled out by Everton’s Kevin Sheedy in the 82nd minute as the match ended in a 1-1 draw. For full details see Ireland V England in Italy 1990.

Republic of Ireland Match Results Against England

Republic of Ireland v England Record Summary

Ireland v England World Cup Finals Record

Ireland v England Euro Finals Record

Ireland v England World Cup Qualifiers Record

Ireland v England Euro Qualifiers Record

Ireland v England Friendly Matches Record