England U21s suffered their first defeat to their Republic of Ireland counterparts after falling 3-1 in Cork, with Tommy Lonergan scoring twice for the hosts.

Lee Carsley’s men had already qualified for Euro 2027 as Group D winners but Ireland were competing for a play-off place, which they successfully secured when their deserved victory at Turner’s Cross clinched second place at the expense of Slovakia on head-to-head record.

It was England’s only defeat of their qualifying campaign and they paid the price for their defensive frailties, even though the early signs were promising.

They took the lead in the eighth minute when Divin Mubama’s shot deflected across the face of goal and fell to Tyler Dibling, who hit the target with his first touch.

Some of the energy drained from their play, however, and in the 22nd minute a defensive lapse invited Ireland in for their opener.

The ball was played out to Sydie Peck but he was caught in possession and Ireland reacted to the opportunity in a flash, Rory Finneran passing to Lonergan who picked his spot and delivered a cool finish.

The home side then took the lead when Conor McManus tucked the ball home at the near post after Trent Koné-Doherty had been allowed to maraud free down the left touchline.

Koné-Doherty continued to cause problems with England slow to shut him down, but Carsley’s men went desperately close shortly before half-time when Mubama was kept out by Noah Jauny.

Ireland were growing in confidence while their opponents became increasingly flat and they surged 3-1 ahead in the 63rd minute when Lonergan added his second following a scrappy passage of play in the box.

Once again England had been slow to react but in the 72nd minute they were denied by the post when Will Lankshear pulled the trigger amid a late onslaught that also saw Tyrique George kept out by a brilliant save from Jauny.