Kane delighted as England seal Nations League promotion

Harry Kane hailed England’s second-half performance after they beat Republic of Ireland 5-0 to secure Nations League promotion at Wembley.

The Three Lions were frustrated in the opening 45 minutes before Kane broke the deadlock from the penalty spot after the visitors had been reduced to 10 men when Liam Scales fouled Jude Bellingham in the box.

Lee Carsley’s side were comfortable from there and ran out handy winners.

Kane said: “It’s a really important win for us.

“It has been a really good camp and two tough games. We got the job done in Greece and again here. It was a tough first half but we came out with more energy and we finished it off.

“I expected Jude to score but in the end it probably worked out best getting a man sent off and obviously finishing the penalty.”

The skipper scoring our first from the spot.

🎯 @HKane pic.twitter.com/Nd5idaXuXm

— England (@England) November 17, 2024

Four players – Anthony Gordon, Conor Gallagher, Jarrod Bowen and Taylor Harwood-Bellis – went on to score their first England goals in the second half, with Tino Livramento and Harwood-Bellis making their senior debuts.

He said: “We spoke about new opportunities for new lads and they've shown why they are here.

“It was nice for Jarrod to come on and score straight away.

“Thomas Tuchel has a lot of players to choose from when he starts next year. A lot of young players that have come in and done well and some more experienced players who are injured and will be looking to come back. There's a good balance. I'm sure he will be looking at everyone.

“Lee Carsley has been top drawer in these six games, him and all the staff. After the Euros it was never going to be easy to come in and go straight into the Nations League.

“I'm really glad we won today and finish off on a high.”