England player ratings vs Ireland: Duo handed 8/10 as rout seals Nations League promotion

England's hiatus from the top tier of the UEFA Nations League was short and sweet.

After suffering a surprising relegation from League A under Gareth Southgate last time out, a rejuvenated and youthful Three Lions confirmed promotion with a 5-0 victory over Ireland at Wembley Stadium on Sunday evening.

With the scores level at the break, England risked throwing away all the hard work from Thursday night's victory in Athens, with Greece waiting in the wings for any slip-up.

In the end, a five-minute blitz saw the Euro 2024 runners-up stick three past a down-trodden Irish side, who had been reduced to 10 men with the score still at 0-0.

Harry Kane converted from the penalty that saw Celtic man Liam Scales sent off for a second bookable offence, with Anthony Gordon and Conor Gallagher both on target to add a quick-fire second and subsequently third.

A goal with his first touch saw Jarrod Bowen make it four, before Taylor Harwood-Bellis, the man who captained Lee Carsley's under-21 side to Euros victory last year, capped off a wonderful night's work with a fifth.

Express Sport hand out player ratings from England's win over Ireland.

Jordan Pickford - 6

After a chaotic night in the Greek capital, Jordan Pickford would've welcomed a quieter evening in north London. Ireland managed just one shot of any kind throughout the 90 minutes, with Pickford unlikely to have many easier nights between the sticks.

Tino Livramento - 6

Provided a constant attacking threat on the right-hand side during his first start as an England player. Will likely have to settle for second, or maybe even third fiddle when the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James are back in the fold.

Kyle Walker - 6

Perhaps an insight into Kyle Walker's international future? With his pace appearing to have dropped off a yard or two in recent years, maybe the Manchester City man could provide much-needed cover at the heart of the defence, especially given the competition for minutes at right back in the England squad. One for the incoming Thomas Tuchel to think about.

Marc Guehi - 5

A typically cool customer at the heart of defence, Marc Guehi didn't have much to do for England, but the Crystal Palace man was fortunate not to have given away a penalty in the first half. Evan Ferguson got on the wrong side of Guehi, with the defender appearing to have pulled the Brighton striker's shirt. How different things might've been had the visitors taken the lead.

Lewis Hall - 6

The second of two Newcastle fullbacks in the starting XI for England, and much like his Magpies team-mate, Lewis Hall looked comfortable enough against a lacklustre Irish attack.

Conor Gallagher - 7

Much maligned at times during his England career, Conor Gallagher looked assured at the base of midfield in Declan Rice's absence. Ticking the ball over with ease, Gallagher even popped up at the back post to snatch his first-ever Three Lions goal.

Curtis Jones - 7

One of the standouts from England's November international break, Curtis Jones has certainly sent Tuchel a message with his performances against both Greece and Ireland. So often does the Liverpool man do the simple things right, it's easy for him to go overlooked when compared to the other big names in the side. But given England's travails in midfield at the summer's European Championship, Jones could find plenty of success in the team going forward.

Jude Bellingham - 8

If he wasn't already, Jude Bellingham is quickly becoming England's go-to man. The Real Madrid ace might've failed to score during the rout, but it was his darting run that led to the hosts' opener. Tripped by Scales inside the penalty area, Bellingham looked as if he was back to his devastating best after a quiet start to the campaign. The 21-year-old showed his quality by providing the assists for both Bowen and Harwood-Bellis' goals.

Noni Madueke - 7

Another decent run out for the Chelsea attacker, who has gone from a player on the fringes of the Blues squad last season, to a regular for both club and country.

Harry Kane - 7

A mixed evening for the England skipper, who despite playing some scintillating passes from deep, looked a little jaded with his in-behind runs. Now well into his thirties, managing Harry Kane's international minutes could be one of Tuchel's biggest tasks when he gets to work in the new year. Still, the Bayern Munich attacker made no mistake from 12 yards to set England on their way.

Anthony Gordon - 8

With no sign of Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Bukayo Saka or Cole Palmer in this November's England squad, it was important for Anthony Gordon to take his chance. He did so with both hands, sweeping home a stylish strike in the second half to stake his claim for a spot on England's left-hand side.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis (sub) - 7

One of several first-time goalscorers for England, Harwood-Bellis was a staple of Carsley's under-21 side, with it fitting he scored the last goal of the Birmingham-born coaches' final match in charge.

Jarrod Bowen (sub) - 7

Peeled off wonderfully to create the space for England's fourth just seconds after coming off the bench.

Morgan Rogers (sub) - 6

Dominic Solanke (sub) - 6

Angel Gomes (sub) - N/A