Nathan Collins apologises for 'not good enough' Ireland performance v England
Ireland were thrashed 5-0 at Wembley
Nathan Collins apologised to fans after the Republic of Ireland were thrashed 5-0 by England at Wembley in the UEFA Nations League.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side had started well and frustrated England in the first half, but things went downhill quickly after Liam Scales was sent off after receiving his second yellow card for bringing down Jude Bellingham in the box shortly after half-time.
England captain Harry Kane struck home the resulting penalty, with Anthony Gordon then lashing in and Conor Gallagher scoring from close range.
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Substitute Jarrod Bowen netted with his first touch and fellow introduction Taylor Harwood-Bellis completed a dream debut by heading in to wrap up a win that saw Lee Carsley’s men top the pool.
“First of all, it’s probably an apology from all the lads for that second half," Ireland captain Collins said after the game.
“That’s nowhere near the standard we should be. Obviously, circumstances change things but we know as a group we’re a lot better than that and that’s not on.”
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He added: “I think the first-half game plan worked really well. We really frustrated them and created some chances in behind and from counter-attacks.
“I think it worked well for the majority. First half, we were very comfortable and frustrated them a lot and put them in positions they didn’t want to be in.
“We went a bit more direct and fought a bit more. Then in the second half, the circumstances changed that.
“I’d need to see it [the England penalty] back, I did think it was a little bit soft, to be honest. He [the referee] did like his yellow card but listen it doesn’t take away from the fact that we weren’t good enough in the second half.
“We have to take that first half into account. With 11 men, it’s a different game.
“I feel bad for them [the fans]. And what they saw in the second half isn’t what they wanted. It’s tough for us as well but a credit to them.”
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