Manager has had a luckless start to his
Ireland reign but signs of progress, and a refreshing new flair, are beginning to emerge
The Republic of Ireland wanted to play
England at Wembley primarily because the limited travel for a squad based entirely in
Britain made Thursday’s match about as prudent as an international fixture can be amid a pandemic. In a footballing sense, however, this is a particularly risky showdown for Stephen Kenny, even if it is only a friendly before Sunday’s Nations League encounter with Wales and, more importantly, the start of
World Cup qualification in March.
For a manager who has yet to gain a victory after five matches in charge, losing heavily to England, of all teams, would amplify criticism. Ireland have not lost to their old rival since 1985, winning once and drawing the other four matches (not including the 1995 friendly in
Dublin, in which Ireland were leading 1-0 before rioting by England fans caused the match to be abandoned).