It’s never just any old game…
It promises to be an interesting season of football at the Aviva when the Boys in Green undertake the challenge of qualifying for Euro 2016. But undoubtedly the marquee game of the season looks to be the clash against the old enemy England.
Included in the six game season ticket package Ireland will meet Roy Hodgson’s side in June of next year at Aviva Stadium.
Ahead of that clash, here are five more big clashes between the sides.
1) England 0-2 Ireland, 1949, Goodison Park
Now we understand that you may not have been alive for this one and you may question the relevance of it. However, let us remind you that Ireland was the first foreign team to ever beat the English boys on home soil.
Ireland, captained by Manchester United’s Johnny Carey, stuck two in through Con Martin and Peter Farrell.
2) Ireland 1-0 England, Stuttgart, 1988
When you say a moment will go down in history you might even go so far as to say that a song will be written about that incident. Ray Houghton’s goal against England in 1988 was all that and more.
While “Joxer Goes To Stuttgart” was a huge hit with Irish fans, it will never be more popular amongst the people than that historic victory.
3) Ireland 1-1 England, Cagliari, 1990
Two years after being drawn against them in Germany, Ireland were put in with England again for the group stages of Italia ’90. Needing any and all points in the group if they wanted to go through to the knock-out stages of tournament, it didn’t look good when Gary Lineker stuck one past Packie Bonner.
It wasn’t over yet the though as Charlton’s men fought hard and then Kevin Sheedy levelled the sides.
4) Ireland 1-1 England, Landsdowne Road, 1990
In November of that year we met England again but this time on home turf in the old Landsdowne Road. England put themselves ahead through the boot of David Platt after a defensive mistake from the Irish side.
Thanks to the head of Tony Cascarino though, Ireland came away with a point.
5) England 1-1 Ireland, Wembley Stadium, 2013
Our most recent meeting with England was last year. England, under the guidance of Roy Hodgson, took on Ireland in a friendly at Wembley on the occasion of Ashley Cole’s 100th cap.
In the 13th minute Shane Long scored via a beaut of a header, forcing the English onto the back foot. Frank Lampard pulled one back in the first half and the game finished up a draw.
Images via Inpho.
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