England’s Under-21 team experienced their first defeat to the Republic of Ireland at this level in a European Championship qualifier held in Cork on Tuesday. The Young Lions, who are the reigning back-to-back European champions and had already secured qualification for next year’s finals in Albania and Serbia, were unable to maintain their unbeaten run in qualifiers since 2023.

England opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Tyler Dibling capitalized on a cross from Divin Mubama to put the visitors ahead. However, the Republic of Ireland quickly responded, with Rory Finneran setting up striker Tommy Lonergan to equalize. The Waterford forward showed composure to find the bottom corner and level the match. Just before halftime, Conor McManus put Ireland ahead by exploiting space between England goalkeeper Tommy Setford and the near post.

Lonergan extended Ireland’s lead to 3-1 in the 63rd minute, firing a powerful shot after England failed to clear a loose ball in the penalty area. England manager Lee Carsley, who earned 40 senior caps for Ireland during his playing career, introduced striker Will Lankshear in an effort to turn the game around. Lankshear struck the post, and Tyrique George was denied by a fine save from Irish goalkeeper Noah Jauny late in the match, but England could not reduce the deficit.

The victory kept the Republic of Ireland’s qualification hopes alive, placing them ahead of Slovakia for a playoff spot in next summer’s tournament. England’s failure to secure points marked a rare setback but did not affect their already confirmed place in the finals.