Republic of Ireland v England: classic goals in this fierce fixture

Niall Quinn 1992
In a crucial 1992 World Cup qualifying encounter at Wembley, Ireland and England met once again in a rigorous battle which saw the shares spoiled at 1-1.

Early in the match, Lee Dixon’s deflected effort on goal put England ahead, but towering targetman Niall Quinn struck to level proceedings after immense pressure from the Emerald Isle.

Gary Linekar and Kevin Sheedy 1990
England took the lead through a typical poacher’s finish from their frontman, with Lineker capitalising on an early chance, before Sheedy equalised with a fiercely driven effort into the bottom corner.

Ray Houghton 1988
Another Ireland goal, and another fantastic header. Former Liverpool frontman John Aldridge knocked the ball down, after a lofted cross, into the path of an incoming Houghton, who delicately sent his headed effort sailing over a helpless Peter Shilton.

Houghton’s goal gave Jack Charlton’s Irish side a famous 1-0 victory over their rivals at the 1988 European Championships in Germany, causing scenes mass exodus among fans and players alike.

Gary Lineker 1985
The second of Lineker’s goals in our list! One of the country’s most prolific ever goalscorers featured against Ireland several times, and was on the scoresheet as well, grabbing his first ever international strike in this match-up.

In a friendly meeting, Lineker managed to drift in behind his marker, before eventually dispatching England’s second goal in fine fashion. Liam Brady managed to pull one back for the Irish late on, but Linekar’s strike helped seal a 2-1 triumph.

Kevin Keegan 1980
Former Newcastle United and Liverpool forward Keegan was known for his wide range of attacking talents, and against Ireland in a European Championship qualifier in 1980 he showed exactly why he had gained such a rampant reputation.

A delightful double from England’s Wembley hero was capped off with a sensational chipped strike, dismantling the Irish defence, even though the Three lions had already assured their qualification by topping the group. One of the visiting country’s current crop of forwards will be vying for similar success in front of goal, including the likes of Wayne Rooney and Raheem Sterling, with England 11/10 to triumph.