Republic of Ireland and England play out goalless stalemate in Dublin

The best chance of the first 45 minutes came when Murphy found himself through on goal before the half hour mark, latching on to a header from James McCarthy, but the Championship’s top scorer saw his attempt stopped by a swift save from Joe Hart.

In a red versus blue battle of Merseyside wingers, McGeady kept Sterling at bay before half-time, as the Liverpool forward tried to pick out his skipper Wayne Rooney in the penalty area, but to no avail.

Murphy again had a chance to send the Irish in front before the break, as he connected with an impressive in-swinging free-kick from Brady, but his header was sent wide as England endured another reprieve.

In a hopeful switch of fortunes, James McClean and Shane Long were introduced at half-time, with McCarthy and McGoldrick making way, as O’Neill injected some pace into his line-up with this attacking duo.

Stoke defender Wilson gifted Jordan Henderson with a chance to play Rooney in on goal soon after the break, but the Red Devils captain’s touch let him down at the crucial moment as Irish goal guard Kieran Westwood collected the ball comfortably.

Jack Wilshere, playing a deep holding midfield role, continued to dictate his nation’s attacking force, playing in Sterling on the left flank close to the hour mark, but the Reds playmaker could only steer his effort wide of the right post.

As this friendly encounter in Dublin continued to provide little excitement for the sell-out Aviva crowd, O’Neill opted to switch his man between the sticks, as veteran Shay Given replaced Westwood in goal. Although, the Aston Villa shot stopper had, like his international counterpart, minimal work to do.

Leicester City attacker Jamie Vardy made his England debut with 15 minutes left to play, but the Foxes forward was unable to make a goalscoring contribution as the two rivals played out a goalless draw in the Irish capital.