Ireland are rarely considered a bogey team as far as England’s footballers are concerned, but today could mark the end of 30 years of internationals without a victory over their near neighbours.
England’s last victory over the Boys in Green came in March 1985, when goals from Trevor Steven and Gary Lineker helped secure a 2-1 win.
Since then the two countries have met six times, with one win for Ireland and four draws plus an abandoned match in 1995.
JOE has looked back at some of the more notable encounters during that period.
Ireland 1-0 England, Euro ’88 group stage
Going into a tough group including eventual finalists Holland and the Soviet Union, England knew a win in the opener against Ireland would be crucial.
The opponents were playing in their first ever European Championships, and started out as clear underdogs, however Ray Houghton’s early header stunned Bobby Robson’s side and ended up winning the game for the unfancied Irish.
England ultimately lost all three games and went out of the competition with a whimper.
England 1-1 Ireland, World Cup 1990
England wouldn’t have to wait long for a chance at revenge, with the two teams drawn together in the group stages of the next major tournament.
Despite an array of attacking talent including Gary Lineker and Paul Gascoigne, England were held thanks to Kevin Sheedy’s second-half goal.
Both sides ultimately made it out of the group, however, leading to the Three Lions’ famous semi-final defeat to West Germany.
Ireland 1-1 England, friendly match, 2013
The most recent meeting between England and Ireland came at Wembley in 2013, with the hosts’ World Cup qualification in the balance.
In a competitive friendly, England fell behind to Shane Long’s opener before Frank Lampard drew them level.
The winner was not forthcoming, though, meaning the wait goes on for an England victory in this fixture.
