Divin Mubama celebrates scoring for England's U21sImage source, AFP via Getty Images
Image caption,

Divin Mubama, right, recovered from missing a penalty to score England's opener from the spot

Goals from Divin Mubama and Tyrique George ensured England's Under-21s maintained their 100% record in Euro 2027 qualifying with victory against the Republic of Ireland.

In wet and windy conditions at Birmingham's St Andrew's Stadium, Lee Carsley's side got the win they needed to make it four wins from four games.

Both goals came in the second half, although England had a golden chance to take the lead midway through the first 45 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after Chelsea forward George was fouled inside the box, but Mubama saw his tame effort saved.

Chelsea's Jamie Gittens then had a header saved but chances were at a premium in the difficult conditions.

However, England had another chance to convert a penalty when Lewis Hall was fouled in the second half.

Manchester City youngster Mubama, who is on loan at Stoke this season, stepped up again despite his first-half miss but this time managed to squeeze home his spot-kick.

The Republic of Ireland pushed for an equaliser in the latter stages and Jacob Devaney went close but sent his shot over the bar.

However, George gave England the much-needed breathing space they needed when he hammered home a fine strike shortly before full-time.

The result means England are second in Group D with 12 points, one behind leaders Slovakia who have played a game more, while the Republic of Ireland are third on seven points.

Player of the match

Number: 3 L. Hall
Average rating 8.29
Number: 3 L. Hall
Average Rating: 8.29
Number: 19 T. George
Average Rating: 7.85
Number: 8 L. Miley
Average Rating: 7.76
Number: 1 T. Setford
Average Rating: 7.36
Number: 4 J. Acheampong
Average Rating: 7.31
Number: 11 J. Gittens
Average Rating: 7.27
Number: 10 E. Nwaneri
Average Rating: 7.21
Number: 9 D. Mubama
Average Rating: 7.16
Number: 14 S. Peck
Average Rating: 7.13
Number: 2 R. Lewis
Average Rating: 6.95
Number: 6 M. Alleyne
Average Rating: 6.86
Number: 20 T. Dibling
Average Rating: 6.82
Number: 16 T. Small
Average Rating: 6.78
Number: 18 J. King
Average Rating: 6.74
Number: 7 J. Bellingham
Average Rating: 6.62
Number: 15 B. Norton-Cuffy
Average Rating: 6.32

After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.