‘That’s not on’ – Nathan Collins apologises to fans after drubbing

After an encouraging first half, which saw two Irish penalty appeals waved away, the visitors fell apart after Liam Scales picked up a second yellow card – conceding a penalty on 51 minutes – as Lee Carsley's side went on to put five past Caoimhín Kelleher.

"First of all, it's probably an apology from all the lads for that second half," the Dubliner said after the final whistle.

"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."

Collins started in defensive midfield in a bid to give the Irish backline some more support and it was paying dividends up to the break.

"I think the first-half game plan worked really well. We really frustrated them and created some chances in behind and from counter-attacks," Collins added.

"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."