Image source, 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

Image source, 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.

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

Image source, 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?

Image source, 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."

Image source, FAI

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

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.

Image source, 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."

Image source, Getty Images

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.

Chris Bevan
BBC Sport in Dublin

Image source, 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.

Image source, Getty Images

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...

Image source, 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."

Image source, FAI

Image source, 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."

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.