England returned to the top of the Nations League in emphatic fashion as the Republic of Ireland were beaten at Wembley in Lee Carsley’s final match as caretaker manager.

Carsley hands over to Thomas Tuchel, who starts on January 1, having won five of his six matches, with England putting the power on here after a lackluster first half only to run riot after the break.

Harry Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot eight minutes after half-time, the captain’s superb pass freeing Jude Bellingham, who had been fouled by Liam Scales, earning the defender a second yellow card and a sending off.

England capitalized mercilessly on the numerical advantage, with Anthony Gordon scoring his first English goal two minutes later, pouncing at the far post after the Republic defense failed to clear debutant Tino Livramento’s cross.

As England subdued the exhausted and dispirited visitors, Conor Gallagher and substitute Jarrod Bowen also scored for the first time at senior level.

Gallagher volleyed Marc Guehi’s shot from Noni Madueke’s corner after 58 minutes while Bowen beat Republic goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher with his first touch 15 minutes from time.

The early lead continued when Taylor Harwood-Bellis, the future son-in-law of former Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane, replaced Kyle Walker in the second half and marked his debut by firing a header past Kelleher.

More to follow.