Bellingham makes debut in England win over Republic of Ireland

England strolled to victory against the Republic of Ireland in their friendly international at Wembley.

Manager Gareth Southgate gave his undercard a chance as he kept England’s main players back for the Uefa Nations League match in Belgium on Sunday – but they still had far too much for an outclassed Republic side.

Jude Bellingham, brought on as a substitute for his debut in the second half, became England’s third-youngest full international at 17 years and 137 days.

And Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson also won his first senior cap as a half-time replacement for Burnley’s Nick Pope.

Harry Maguire, given the captain’s armband, erased some of the misery of his last England appearance – when he was sent off in the Nations League home defeat by Denmark – by heading in Harry Winks’ cross after 18 minutes.

Jadon Sancho doubled England’s advantage before the break and their total control was emphasised when Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored emphatically from the penalty spot in the 56th minute after Bukayo Saka was fouled by Cyrus Christie. It sealed England’s first win against the Republic since 1985.

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