Euro Under-21 qualifier/England 3 Republic of Ireland 0:The Republic of Ireland's Under-21 side had a real dose of déjà vu last night as they went down 3-0 to England in the Uefa Championships at St Mary's.
When these sides met in Cork in October the final score was the same and the Irish had created a hatful of chances.
This time around Ireland played a measured brand of football and were well on track for a result until an an own goal from Stephen O'Halloran on the hour turned the tide in England's favour.
New England boss Fabio Capello was on hand to see Theo Walcott make his return to Southampton for the first time since his move to Arsenal two years ago. But the man who would have most caught his eye was Newcastle's James Milner, who set up the O'Halloran own goal and also found the net himself.
Stuart Pearce's squad included a host of Premier League stars such as Aaron Lennon, Joe Hart, David Wheater, Steven Taylor, Mark Noble and Tom Huddlestone.
Ireland had senior cap Andy Keogh back in their ranks and he was unfortunate not to have at least a goal for his efforts.
The Irish got away with two first-half penalty appeals within the space of a minute as Darren O'Dea and John-Joe O'Toole each appeared to handle in the area.
It took a brilliant O'Dea block to deny Walcott in the 59th minute after Joe Mattock had crossed from the left. Unfortunately for Ireland, the opener arrived 60 seconds later. A Milner pass aimed for Noble was intercepted by O'Halloran and he deflected into his own goal.
Ireland's hope of an immediate response were dashed eight minutes later when Milner fired into the bottom corner, via an upright, from 25 yards out.
Adam Rooney set up a chance for Keogh in the 72nd minute but once again Hart was well-placed to save.
Walcott wrapped up the three points in the 78th minute when he cut in from the left and beat Randolph with a well-placed strike. England now progress to the play-offs.
ENGLAND: Hart, Gardner, Wheater, Taylor, Mattock, Lennon, Noble (Surman 85), Muamba, Huddlestone (Jerome 79), Milner, Walcott (Johnson 85). Subs not used: Lewis, Mancienne, Moore, O'Hara. Booked: Wheater, Johnson.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Randolph, Nolan, O'Cearuill, O'Dea, O'Halloran, O'Toole, Garvan, Quinn (Morris 83), Stokes (O'Brien 87), Clarke (Rooney 65), Andrew Keogh. Subs not used: Supple, Richard Keogh, Dennehy, McFaul. Booked: Garvan.
Referee: Jouni Hyytia (Finland).
- Attendance: 31,473
