The Republic of Ireland and England head into half time level following a goalless first half in their international friendly at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin this afternoon.
The home side made a bright start to the match as David McGoldrick forced a corner just moments after kickoff, while Chris Smalling prevented Daryl Murphy getting his head to a Robbie Brady cross.
Joe Hart was called into action as Jeff Hendrick attempted to flick the ball in from a corner.
Martin O'Neill's side continued to look the more likely as Murphy controlled a high ball forward before sprinting into the box, but his low strike was turned around the post by Hart.
A free kick allowed the home side to put England under pressure again as Hendrick curled the ball in for Murphy, but his header was just wide of the post.
The visitors started to show more urgency going forward in the final five minutes before the break as Adam Lallana tried to set up Smalling from a free kick, before the Liverpool man tried his luck with a rising strike from just outside the box.
Sian Cowper
