Rep of Ireland 0-0 England - reaction

1. Neither team impress in dour draw
2. Jamie Vardy comes on for England debut
3. Leicester striker replaces Rooney on 75 mins
4. Use audio icon to listen to 5 live reaction

TOTP

Still here? Fair play.

We're finishing up now but we'll be back again next weekend for live commentary on all the Euro 2016 action.

Join us again then because, in the words '90s dance group D:Ream, things can only get better.

BBC

Here's how Group D looks ahead of next weekend's qualifiers. Republic of Ireland are fourth, three points adrift of leaders Poland, with Scotland up next. Massive game.

Manager reaction

England manager Roy Hodgson: "I thought we got better in the second half. It's way below what we were hoping to achieve. All credit to Ireland, they caused us problems, particularly with balls to the front players.

"I think we needed this game and this level of competition. Going into the game against Slovenia, there's a lot of things we want to improve on."

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A cheeky tweet from Doncaster Rovers

Doncaster Rovers

Simon Goodall: That's two hours of my life I won't get back.

Philip Aston: A rich football heritage is no longer enough. This game is at an all-time low. England are utter PATHETIC. Inadequate!

Jason Birnie: I thought footballers were suppose to entertain? Even I would of put on a better show than that rubbish!

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Clutching at straws?

BBC

A positive. The draw keeps England's unbeaten run going ahead of their Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia next weekend. It is now nine games unbeaten, a run stretching back to their World Cup exit last year. They've also kept seven clean sheets in their last 10 games, too.

Player reaction

England midfielder Jack Wilshere on ITV: "Overall, we'll be disappointed. At times we looked like creating something and it broke down. We know we're better than that. Maybe it was to get the cobwebs off after a week off. We'll look where we went wrong.

"It's great to be back and involved in the setup. We don't get much time together so we have to make the most of the times we are together. I know the manager trusts me and we have a great relationship.

"It'll be a different game [against Slovenia]. We do have to be better. We'll learn from this and hopefully we'll get the three points we need."

Clive Allen

BBC Radio 5 live in Dublin

"I couldn't pick a man of the match. Andros Townsend was bright when he came on and Harry Arter has shown he doesn't look out of place in this company."

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Matt Rhodes: Absolutely dreadful match. My lunch was more interesting than Ireland v England.

Cooke: A pointless friendly, and one of the worst football matches I have ever seen. Bring on the tennis!

Thomas Broadley: That was one of the worst games of football I've ever seen.

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Clive Allen

BBC Radio 5 live in Dublin

"A game that disappointed. There wasn't the tempo. We talked about it being a Premier League-type game but that never happened. There was a lack of quality in the final third but they live now for the all-important qualifying games."

Getty Images

I've seen some poor games, but that was up there with the worst. I'm not sure what Roy Hodgson will have learned from it. It will certainly be interesting to hear what he has to say.

Clive Allen

BBC Radio 5 live in Dublin

"England have been sloppy. There's not been that edge to the game. They've been too nonchalant and therefore some mistakes have been made."

FULL-TIME

That's that.

Ooooh a lucky escape for England there. Phil Jegielka, the last man, slips when in possession and Jon Walters is all over him. Jagielka,, to his credit, manages to hold off Walters and eventually wins a free-kick. Had Walters been a bit more alert and that was a real chance for a goal.

Clive Allen

BBC Radio 5 live in Dublin

"Not the most exciting of games, perhaps we should have expected that with the timing of the game. Hopefully the players are getting back up to speed for the big games that are coming up."

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Chris Arkwright: A chance to look at new players? Austin should've been given 30 mins minimum to prove he is international pedigree.

Darren W: End-of-season friendlies about as much use as a chocolate fire guard & as entertaining as watching paint dry.

Josh Hammond: I'm going to go make a cuppa, I doubt I'll miss much. Anyone want a drink?

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Three added minutes. Will we see a goal? I'm not holding out much hope...

Reuters

The camera cuts to a very, very bored-looking England bench. Hard to read Charlie Austin's expression, but can't imagine he is overly thrilled at not having got on the pitch in a game that has needed something to inject a bit of life into it.

Clive Allen

BBC Radio 5 live in Dublin

"What will Roy Hodgson have learnt from this? Not a great deal. He's seen the players he will start against Slovenia. It's an important match in terms of keeping their run going and putting the group to bed."

Paul McShane reads an attempted pass by James Milner well, sliding across to cut out the ball aimed at Jamie Vardy inside the box. Five minutes to go...

SUBSTITUTION

Theo Walcott is the next England player to enter the fray, taking the place of Adam Lallana. Seven minutes remaining, will there be time for Charlie Austin to make his debut?

Into the final 10 minutes and England are pressing the Republic of Ireland defence a bit now. Andros Townsend spots a gap on the edge of the area and shoots low, Shay Given gets down but can only push the ball out wide towards Seamus Coleman, who crosses towards the far post for Ross Barkley but he is beaten to the ball by a defender.

Reuters

England come forward through Phil Jones, who sends in a dangerous cross from the right towards the far post where Chris Smalling is waiting. The defender gets up but doesn't connect well with his header and it is comfortably scooped up by Shay Given.

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Ben Stone: Pretty strange not to look at Austin and wait so long for Vardy. May as well try Heaton as well.

Matthew John Finch: Maybe they should do what happens at my son's team's friendlies and have a "fun" penalty shoot out at the end.

Maddy Raman: Brilliant moment for Jamie Vardy, Fleetwood Town regular just three years ago, now and England international.

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Park Steels to Premier League

Getty Images

Jamie Vardy is living the dream. It was not that long ago when he was working as a carbon fibre technician while playing for non-league Stocksbridge Park Steels, before he was spotted by FC Halifax in 2010.

From there it was a swift climb up the league ladder as he joined Fleetwood and then Leicester and played a key role in their end of season resurgence to retain their Premier League status.

It still blows my mind to see a player who once turned out for Stocksbridge Park Steels playing off former Argentina international Esteban Cambiasso...

Chris Bevan

BBC Sport in Dublin

"There is obviously very little for either set of supporters to get excited about here but the good news is that they have both behaved themselves. The closest we have come to any tension came when England fans sang "God Save The Queen" before half-time and were booed and whistled by the home supporters."

Clive Allen

BBC Radio 5 live in Dublin

Reuters

"Jamie Vardy's got 16 or 17 minutes to make an impact and I'm sure he will. He's got a chance to show what he can do on the international stage. He just needs to do what he did for Leicester in the last few games of the season."

SUBSTITUTION

Wayne Rooney won't be moving up the all-time England scorers list today as he is replaced by Jamie Vardy, who is on for his international debut.

Phil Jagielka also comes on, taking the place of Gary Cahill in the heart of defence.

A chance for the hosts as Harry Arter dispossess Ross Barkley and runs towards goal before sweeping a shot just wide. What a debut it would be if the Bournemouth man gets on the scoresheet.

SUBSTITUTION

The flurry of substitutions continue as Paul McShane, without a club after leaving Hull following their relegation, comes on for John O'Shea. Big chance for him to put himself in the shop window here.

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Antonio Allenby: Don't debate Rooney's performance, we should be asking why are they playing an International friendly at the end of the season.

Ashley Wilkinson: I'll ask again. Why is Raheem Sterling the subject of £40m-£50m bids? Hasn't delivered since January and struggled again here.

Mark Ryan: I don't think the first teamers from Real Madrid will be worried if Sterling shows up.

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Ross Barkley is keen to make an immediate impression. He has a go from the edge of the area but his effort curls well wide of goal. No danger for Shay Given.

It looks like we may be about to see Jamie Vardy in an England shirt as the Leicester City forward is called back from warming up to get ready for coming on.

Jamie Vardy, England international. Who would have predicted that 12 months ago?

SUBSTITUTION

Reuters

Ah, changes now for England as Raheem Sterling goes off, to the sound of boos, with Andros Townsend replacing him. Jack Wilshere also goes off and on comes Ross Barkley in his place.

Clive Allen

BBC Radio 5 live in Dublin

"I bet Harry Arter is in dreamland. A fantastic season with Bournemouth, the Premier League to look forward to and now he's making his international debut."

SUBSTITUTION

Reuters

Martin O'Neill is not considering the fingers of a beleaguered live text commentary as he continues to drip feed substitutes on to the pitch. Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter comes on for Glenn Whelan.

Leave it five minutes, would you Martin?

GREAT SAVE!

Considering the Republic of Ireland have looked the most threatening, it has taken them one hour to manage a shot on goal. It comes from the boot of Jon Walters, who cracks off a fizzing effort from the edge of the area that Joe Hart manages to bat away.

SUBSTITUTION

Another change for the Republic of Ireland, this time in goal as Keiren Westwood is replaced by veteran Shay Given. He's on for his 129th international appearance, but only his first against England.

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DFR: North Ferriby United would beat both these sides.

Andrew Smith: What is everyone going on about? Rooney is playing just as good as always for England. As in, awful.

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England are looking a bit more creative now, although still lacking bite in the final third. Raheem Sterling crosses across the face of goal for Wayne Rooney, who can't direct his header on target and the defence clears but only as far as Phil Jones, whose header lands on the roof of the net.

Reuters

England win a free-kick about 25 yards from goal and Wayne Rooney fancies it. He goes for accuracy rather than power and tries to bend it into the top corner, but it doesn't have the pace to catch out Keiren Westwood, who gets across to make the catch.

Still, it's a shot on target.

Clive Allen

BBC Radio 5 live in Dublin

Reuters

"Shane Long is looking to run at England whenever he can and all of a sudden the England defence are having to reorganise to cope with it."

SUBSTITUTION

Martin O'Neill makes his third change as Daryl Murphy goes off, with Stoke striker Jon Walters on in his place. Shane Long has looked lively since his introduction, will Walters have a similar impact?

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Rob Meech: Whenever Wayne Rooney goes a couple of weeks without playing his touch completely deserts him and he looks terrible.

Yinka: Record or not, Rooney should be off, clearly still on holiday.

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Getty Images

Raheem Sterling has moved alongside Wayne Rooney in attack as England go 4-4-2 for this half and the Liverpool youngster is already looking more threatening in a central role, curling a shot about three yards wide of the post. It wouldn't take much, but this half is already more entertaining than the first.

CLOSE!

England are almost punished immediately as Republic of Ireland win a free-kick midway inside the England half. Robbie Brady is again the man tasked with taking it and he curls towards the near post, Joe Hart's there but fumbles behind.

Clive Allen

BBC Radio 5 live in Dublin

Getty Images

"At the moment, Wayne Rooney's mind's not on the game. The ball to him was perfect but his touch let him down. Any good touch would have given him the opportunity to get closer to that record."

Oh dear!

Oh my! What happened there!?

Wayne Rooney has a glorious chance to edge closer to Bobby Charlton's all-time scoring record for England as Jordan Henderson gets clear of the Republic of Ireland defence and breaks forward with Rooney in company. Henderson squares the ball and it seems like a certain goal for Rooney, but his first touch is a horror show and he scuffs the ball straight into the hands of Keiren Westwood. Shocking.

KICK-OFF

Republic of Ireland make two changes for the second half as Shane Long comes on for David McGoldrick, while James McClean replaces James McCarthy.

No changes for England, who get the second half under way.

Lack of threat

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If you are just joining us, here's a summary of what you missed in the first half:

Republic of Ireland kicked the game off.

That's it.

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VB: If England play lethargically it's because they haven't rested enough mid-season, or because they have rested too much? Huh?

Jason Trillo: Sterling is worth how much?!? After this performance, you'd be lucky to get him for a few pennies.

Eyobel gomini: Phil Jones is a decent CB but absolutely not a RB, Neither Chris Smalling! Bring on Nathaniel Clyne!

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Macclesfield Town

Bevo's still awake

Chris Bevan

BBC Sport

"England's first-half display is summed up by the fact it took them 44 minutes to have a shot on goal - and that was a wayward effort from distance by Adam Lallana. Ireland have looked marginally more dangerous but Daryl Murphy has wasted their best two chances of what has been a very low key first 45 minutes."

Shearer knows the score

Alan Shearer

Honestly, that half was such a non event that the two sets of fans took to taunting each other with a bit of a sing off.

Clive Allen

BBC Radio 5 live in Dublin

PA

"The tempo is too slow and there's not a lot of quality. The coaches will be looking at how the players are performing in their individual roles ahead of the qualifiers.

"There's no doubt there's an eye on what's coming up, rather than just today's match."

HALF-TIME

...Joe Hart is able to pluck the ball out of the air from the corner and that's the last action of a hugely forgettable first half.

Get Charlie Austin or Jamie Vardy on. This game needs something liven it up.

Just the one minute of stoppage time is announced and England have a bit of defending to do as Aiden McGeady charges forward, slips th ball into the path of David McGoldrick, whose shot is put behind and the hosts have a corner...

YELLOW CARD

First booking of the game as James McCarthy sees yellow after he hacks down Jack Wilshere, who has had a quiet game so far.

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Twitter

PA

England are seeing more of the ball, but not doing much with it in the final third. They win a free-kick in a promising position, left of the Republic of Ireland area and Adam Lallana lifts the ball into the box, but can't find a team-mate and the chance, again, goes.

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Will Davies: England's midfield three slowing to ball down too much. There's no one to threaten Ireland.

Rob Porter: Perhaps we were spoiled last night, but this is really, really dreadful.

Srollo: Are England and Ireland trying to break the record for the longest football match or is this just a bit dull?

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Half a chance for England as they break down the right through Phil Jones, whose ball into the area skids along the grass and is cleared. Wayne Rooney, waiting in the box, turns away in frustration. It looks like his wait to break the all-time scoring record will go on based on this performance so far.

Clive Allen

BBC Radio 5 live in Dublin

"That was the clearest chance anyone has had. The ball in from Robbie Brady was superb and Daryl Murphy had a free header. He should at least be making Joe Hart work there."

CLOSE!

PA

England really are struggling to deal with the Ipswich Town strikeforce as Daryl Murphy goes close again.

The chance is fashioned from another Robbie Brady free-kick, pumped in from midway inside the England half and Murphy peels off the defence to head wide.

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Max Baggins-Craig: Danny Welbeck should clearly partner Wayne Rooney, they worked well when Danny was at United, so it makes sense. Saido Berahino and Rooney wouldn't work.

Sam Burnett: I don't what Van Gaal has done, but every time I see Chris Smalling he looks more and more like a top centre-half.

Ian: Nothing in England's performance thus far to worry Spain, France, Germany, Italy or Belgium.

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I genuinely do not know how professional footballers can curl a ball straight out of play from a corner. Adam Lallana is the man guilty of fluffing one up for England, sending it straight out of play from the flag and trudges back to his position, clearly embarrassed. Baffling.

Clive Allen

BBC Radio 5 live in Dublin

"A clever effort from Murphy. It was a right-footed chance really but he took it early with his left foot and almost caught Joe Hart by surprise. That's the first time he's got in behind the England defence."

CLOSE!

Just as the game had entered a bit of a lull, Republic of Ireland go very close indeed!

Jeff Hendrick catches the England defence napping as he nods a long ball forward between two players for Daryl Murphy to run through on to. The Ipswich striker races into the area and attempts to steer a shot in at the far post with the outside of his boot, but it goes just wide. Let-off for England.

Clive Allen

BBC Radio 5 live in Dublin

"Disappointing from Raheem Sterling. He was one against one with Marc Wilson and failed to get the cross in. Lacklustre so far from Sterling.

"This season, he's been inconsistent. He's shown flashes of what he's about but it's been all too brief.

"So far, he's having one of those days."

It might be the frustration of being well marshalled by the Republic of Ireland defence, but it is just not happening for Raheem Sterling at the moment.

Robbie Brady has been in almost constant close attention, but when Sterling does manage to get the better of him his final ball is poor as he cuts it back to an opposition shirt inside the area and the hosts again clear. Still no real chances from England.

John Murray

BBC 5 live commentator in Dublin

"We know there are a lot of Liverpool fans in Ireland and you can hear the boos whenever Raheem Sterling gets the ball from them and some of the England fans."

Brilliant ball by Jordan Henderson from the middle to Raheem Sterling wide right. The Liverpool man tries to wriggle his way past Robbie Brady, but is getting no change out of the Hull City's full-back. Sterling opts to play it safe and play the ball back to Phil Jones, whose first-time cross is cleared.

Another chance for Republic of Ireland and again Wayne Rooney is there to foil them as this time the striker gets back to hook away Robbie Brady's free-kick, with Jeff Hendrick lurking.

Chris Bevan

BBC Sport in Dublin

"England's 3,000 travelling fans were asked to behave themselves inside the stadium and they have definitely done that so far. No anti-IRA chants to be heard - only the odd cry of "come on England" has come from their end so far.

"To be honest, Roy Hodgson's side have not given them much to sing about in the first 15 minutes or so. Republic of Ireland are looking far more dangerous when they come forward, especially through Aiden McGeady down the left flank."

AFP

Clive Allen

BBC Radio 5 live in Dublin

"Great work from Aiden McGeady but Chris Smalling did a brilliant defensive job. He's a bit wobbly on his feet coming away from it because there was a coming together with David McGoldrick at the near post."

Chris Smalling has arguably been the busiest England player in these opening stages as Republic of Ireland fashion another chance. This time Aiden McGeady works some space for himself on the left, fizzes in a cross and Smalling gets in ahead of David McGoldrick to prevent the striker nodding in from six yards.

England have their first corner as John O'Shea heads behind a cross. Adam Lallana takes it, but it is easy pickings for the Republic of Ireland defence and the chance is gone. All pretty flat with just under quarter of an hour gone.

Frustration for Wayne Rooney as he capitalises on some poor defending to pick up the ball just outside the Republic of Ireland area. He dribbles along the edge of the box and shapes to shoot inside the D but gets sandwiched between two defenders and crumples to the floor. No free-kick and Rooney thumps the ground in anger.

Fifa fun

Reuters

A teasing, topical chant from some of the England fans, who are heard singing "Sepp Blatter, he paid for your ground" at their Irish counterparts.

Again Republic of Ireland come forward. This time, Robbie Brady swings in a cross from the left and Chris Smalling stabs the ball behind with Daryl Murphy in close attention. England then sweep up the corner with little bother.

Clive Allen

BBC Radio 5 live in Dublin

Reuters

"Both managers have pretty much gone for their strongest line-ups. Martin O'Neill is without doubt looking to prepare his team to face Scotland on Saturday.

"England are looking to put the Republic under pressure to stop the full-backs getting forward and delivering to Daryl Murphy up front."

As expected, Wayne Rooney is spearheading the England attack, with Adam Lallana to his left and Raheem Sterling on the right. They've not been able to get into the game yet, though, with Republic of Ireland doing all of the probing in these early stages.

Clive Allen

BBC Radio 5 live in Dublin

"Positive direct start from the Republic, putting England's rear-guard under pressure. Early warnings for England, especially at set pieces."

Republic of Ireland are straight on the attack as David McGoldrick gets into the area and fires off a shot from the right, which Gary Cahill deflects behind for a corner. That's knocked behind for another corner, which Daryl Murphy heads towards goal but Wayne Rooney gets the block in. Good start by the hosts.

KICK-OFF

It is a beautiful day at a beautiful stadium as Republic of Ireland get us under way.

Getty Images

Both national anthems appeared to be well observed, so all that is left is for the game to get under way. Can England continue their impressive form post-World Cup?

Ollie Holt/Mail on Sunday

As this picture from the Mail on Sunday's Ollie Holt shows, the players are out on the pitch and ready for the national anthems.

Former Republic of Ireland defender Jim Beglin, speaking about the abandoned match with England in 1995.

He told BBC Radio 5 live: "It was a destructive night, hugely disappointing. Thankfully, today it looks far more peaceful and hopefully it will stay that way.

"I flew from Manchester yesterday and some of the chanting the FA have asked not to happen was happening. Thankfully, that sort of behaviour does not seem to have transferred over the Irish Sea."

Chris Bevan

BBC Sport in Dublin

"Great to see England World Cup winner and Republic of Ireland World Cup hero Jack Charlton get a standing ovation from every fan inside the Aviva Stadium as he ambles on to the pitch for a pre-match presentation, wearing his trademark flat cap. Big Jack turned 80 at the start of May but I bet he is going fishing afterwards too."

FAI

FAI: Roy Hodgson speaking to the legendary Jack Charlton in the tunnel!

England test 'perfect' for Ireland

Manager Martin O'Neill told ITV: "It's absolutely perfect for us. They don't come much stronger in Europe and I think it's ideal."

Republic of Ireland face Scotland in their next Euro 2016 qualifier on Saturday.

Hodgson braced for 'tough challenge'

Reuters

England manger Roy Hodgson speaking to ITV: "They've been very good in training. The focus and attitude was there. I hope it will be in on the pitch today.

"It's going to be a tough challenge for us, a very interesting test ahead of our next qualifier."

Poole fans' big pay day?

Getty Images

Charlie Austin scoring for Swindon, who he joined from non-league Poole Town in 2009

Charlie Austin seems like a nice guy. I'm sure most football fans would not begrudge him a debut goal if he gets on the pitch today, but there's perhaps one group of supporters who will be willing him on to score more than most.

After Austin joined Swindon from Poole in 2009, a group of 16 of the non-league side's fans placed a £155 bet at 50-1 that Austin would score for England.

If he manages that today, the group will bank a tidy £7,905 payout. Tense times in Poole then.

Have England emerged from the 'dark ages'?

Chris Bevan

BBC Sport in Dublin

Getty Images

It is just over two years since England last played Republic of Ireland, in a 1-1 draw at Wembley, when Gary Lineker famously described Roy Hodgson's tactics and 4-4-2 formation as "a step back to the dark ages".

Today's line-up will show us how much has changed since then, as Hodgson continue with the 4-3-3 shape that has seen his side stay unbeaten in eight games since last summer's World Cup, winning seven of those matches.

Jack Wilshere returns to the national side in a deep midfield role that Hodgson holds high hopes for him for the future, with Jordan Henderson and James Milner looking to forage forward on either side of him.

Up front, Wayne Rooney continues his pursuit of Sir Bobby Charlton's goalscoring record, supported by Raheem Sterling and his Liverpool team-mate Adam Lallana, who recently became a father for the second time.

Getty Images

Gary Lineker scored his first international goal in England's last win against Republic of Ireland, back in 1985

Draw fans, you could be in for a treat today if history is anything to go by.

Excluding the abandoned game in 1995, the previous five matches between these two sides ended 1-1, with England's last win against Ireland three decades ago, when Gary Lineker scored the first of his 48 international goals in a 2-1 win at Wembley.

"This was my first start, I was 24, close to 25 years old," he said. ""It was an amazing feeling to not only score for England, but your first goal for England - and at Wembley - was something I'll never forget."

Want to feel old? Apparently, none of England's starting XI today were born when the Three Lions last triumphed against Republic of Ireland...

Just another game...

FAI

Prior to today's game, Republic of Ireland played a behind closed doors friendly with Northern Ireland, which ended 0-0.

Boss Martin O'Neill says this England fixture is nothing more than part of their preparations for next Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland.

Ireland are fourth in a tight Group D, three points off the top, and O'Neill said: "We're looking to beat Scotland. If we beat England and Scotland, great. But let's not take our eye off the prize, which is qualification for [Euro 2016 in] France."

FAI

Murphy's time to shine?

Getty Images

Striker Daryl Murphy will be hoping to break his international duck for Republic of Ireland.

The 32-year-old scored 27 goals for Ipswich last season, but has yet to find the net for Ireland in 14 international appearances.

"Murphy has had a really good season with Ipswich," says Ireland boss Martin O'Neill. "He's done very well. I would expect him to be on the field at some stage."

Vote

OK then. Just over half an hour until kick-off so we've put together a little vote for you.

Who do you think should partner Wayne Rooney for England at Euro 2016?

If you look to the right of this page, or click on the vote tab if you are on your mobile or tablet, you will see eight options to choose from. Here's the terms and conditions, cast your vote and we'll have the results for you at half-time.

Dublin the difference

Chris Bevan

BBC Sport in Dublin

Half-and-half scarves are not usually an example of very much other than the rampant commercialism that exists in modern football but the ones on sale outside the Aviva Stadium show how much has changed in relations between England and Republic of Ireland fans in the last 20 years.

BBC

England's last visit to Dublin in February 1995 ended in a riot and the abandonment of their infamous friendly at Lansdowne Road but there is no sign of those tensions in the Irish capital today.

There is a peaceful atmosphere in the streets outside the stadium, with fans mingling and enjoying the sunshine. The Football Association is hoping for the same inside the ground and has written to all 3,000 England fans with tickets, asking them to behave appropriately and warning that sectarian chanting is not acceptable.

Hoping history won't repeat

Getty Images

This is the first time for 20 years that Republic of Ireland and England have met in Dublin, but there will hopefully be none of the ugly scenes that marred the last meeting between the two.

Crowd trouble forced the game to be abandoned after 27 minutes with Ireland winning 1-0, and England boss Roy Hodgson hopes all the talk post-match today will only be about what happen on the pitch, and not off it.

"It's always important the fans conduct themselves in the right way," says Hodgson, who was at the 1995 game, which was played at the old Lansdowne Road. "It's a long time, 20 years, and I'd like to think relationships between Ireland and England have moved on incredibly in that time."

'I never thought about playing for Ireland'

The FA

This will be Wayne Rooney's 104th appearance for England, but if Mick McCarthy had got his way, the striker could have been lining up for the Republic of Ireland today.

"I have Irish grandparents, so if they wanted to play for Ireland I'm sure they could have, but it was never something I thought about," he says.

"When I was at Everton [in 2001] Lee Carsley asked me about it [playing for Republic of Ireland] on behalf of Mick McCarthy but it never crossed my mind. I am English through and through and I have no issue with trying to beat Ireland. I am playing for England and I want to help England win."

Clive Allen

BBC Radio 5 live in Dublin

On Wayne Rooney closing in on Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 49 England goals: "You just want to score in every game you play. That's the approach Wayne will have and that's what will get him to the target.

"I'm sure he told Roy Hodgson that he wanted to play and the atmosphere will be conducive to a game that Rooney will love to play in.

"There's no doubt he could add 15 goals to his tally and that will set a really tough target for anyone in the future to match."

Will it be today?

Getty Images

Charlie Austin and Jamie Vardy are not alone in today's game being a potentially significant one.

Wayne Rooney is two goals shy of equalling Bobby Charlton's all-time goalscoring record for England of 49, and the Manchester United forward is a confirmed starter against the Republic of Ireland.

If he doesn't equal the record today, he'll have another chance in the Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia next Sunday.

"It will be great if and when it comes," he says. "First we want to finish the season well with two victories from two tough games."

Clive Allen

BBC Radio 5 live in Dublin

On Roy Hodgson's decision to start Phil Jones at right-back: "It's a bit of a surprise. Maybe Nathaniel Clyne has an injury or a knock that means he cannot start.

"Jones does not look accomplished at right-back. His best position is right centre-back. It's a little bit of an experiment from Roy Hodgson to see if he can do a job there if needed at future games."

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Johnny Magrinho: Why on Earth not start Austin? Fail to see why these friendlies are not used to experiment with form and tactics. Waste of time.

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Thoughts on today's teams then? Disappointed not to see Charlie Austin or Jamie Vardy get a chance from the outset, or is Hodgson right to ease them in?

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Chris Bevan

BBC Sport in Dublin

BBC

"The Republic of Ireland camp tried their best to swerve repeated questions about Fifa's controversial pay-off to the Football Association of Ireland in their press conference on Saturday but it is a lot harder to avoid the subject today.

"For a start, Ireland's friendly against England is the first game at the Aviva Stadium since it emerged that Fifa put 5m euros (£3.6m) towards its construction to stop legal action following Ireland's controversial 2010 World Cup play-off defeat.

"Outgoing Fifa president Sepp Blatter is not here to watch today's game in the ground that he helped to pay for, but he has not been forgotten either - some fans have brought along a cardboard cut-out of him - and that cheque."

Radio coverage live now

Build-up to today's match is under way right now on BBC Radio 5 live.

Presenter Mark Chapman is joined at the Aviva Stadium by commentators Ian Dennis and John Murray, with former Tottenham, QPR and England forward Clive Allen on summariser duty ahead of kick-off at 13:00 BST.

Click on the audio icon at the top of this page to tune in.

BreakingBREAKING TEAM NEWS

It is an Ipswich strikeforce for Republic of Ireland as Daryl Murphy and David McGoldrick start in attack.

England boss Roy Hodgson makes six changes to the side that drew with Italy, handing Ryan Bertrand his first start. Phil Jones starts at right back with James Milner, fresh from signing for Liverpool, in midfield. New boys Charlie Austin and Jamie Vardy are on the bench.

Republic of Ireland XI: Westwood; Coleman, Wilson, O'Shea, Brady, McCarthy, Whelan, Hendrick, McGeady; Murphy, McGoldrick.

England XI: Hart, Jones, Bertrand, Henderson, Cahill, Smalling, Wilshere, Milner, Sterling, Rooney, Lallana.

PA

Yep, for Charlie Austin and Jamie Vardy, today's game could prove to be the biggest of their careers.

There was no schooling at a Premier League academy for these two. Instead, they put in the hard yards to climb through the footballing ranks from non-league to the Premier League and now an England call-up.

All in the space of just six years, too. Roy of the Rovers stuff.

Are they in the England side today? Well the teams are in so it is time to find out...

More football you say? Ding Dong

SNTV

Champions League final not enough for you, eh?

Andrea Pirlo has barely had enough time to get back to his vineyard and slip into his finest pair of chinos before more football takes centre stage.

It is international football time, with our focus on Republic of Ireland versus England. A meaningless friendly? Try telling Charlie Austin and Jamie Vardy that....

Living the dream

Getty Images

It is 5.30am. The alarm goes off and up gets a young man from Hungerford to dive into a van with eight other blokes and head off to a building site for a 10 hour shift.

Meanwhile, 200 miles north in Sheffield, another bleary-eyed youngster is rising early to prepare for a long old shift at a factory.

The connection? Fast forward just six years and the pair have not only been able to leave behind them those careers in manual labour, but have risen rapidly through the football ranks to the point that this afternoon they could be playing alongside each other for the England national team.

It is very epitome of a footballing fairy tale...