The Republic of Ireland Under-21s have ended England's unbeaten run in Euro 2027 qualifying. A 3-1 win at Turner's Cross on Tuesday night was the first defeat the Young Lions have suffered in the campaign, and it lifted Ireland into second place in Group D and a play-off spot.
Dibling gives England an early lead
England arrived having already booked their place at next year's finals, and they looked relaxed in the opening minutes. Tyler Dibling tapped in an early goal to put them in front. It was the sort of start that often turns a dead rubber into a stroll, and for a short while it looked as if that was what the home crowd would get.
Lonergan turns it around
Instead the hosts hit back hard. Tommy Lonergan drove a finish into the bottom corner to level the score, with Finneran supplying the pass. Before the interval Conor McManus put Ireland ahead, firing in from a ball by Trent Kone-Doherty. England never really found a way back into the game from that point.
Lonergan sealed the win in the second half. He reacted quickly to a bouncing ball and drove it home for his second of the night, a goal born of quick reactions rather than any elaborate move. England pushed for a consolation and Tyrique George looked set to get one late on, but Noah Jauny made a great save to deny him.
What the result means
For England the damage is limited. They had already secured qualification, so the defeat costs them only their unbeaten record. For Ireland, finishing second is a real reward, and the play-off now gives them another route to the finals. Beating the group leaders in front of their own supporters is a decent way to close the qualifying run.
Match facts: Republic of Ireland U21 3-1 England U21, UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifier, Group D, Turner's Cross, Tuesday 6 October 2026. Goals per BBC Sport match summary: Dibling 7' (England); Lonergan 22', McManus 38', Lonergan 63' (Republic of Ireland). Assists: Finneran, Kone-Doherty. Ireland finish second in Group D and reach the play-offs.
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