GAL-WAY GIRL
Conor Gallagher leaves family of girlfriend Aine May Kennedy ‘unimpressed’ after debut England goal
He was not the only player to score with an Irish connection in the family
CONOR GALLAGHER risked irritating his missus’ family with his maiden goal for England.
The Atletico Madrid star, 24, struck for the first time in 21 caps with his nation’s third in Sunday’s 5-0 win over the Republic of Ireland.
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His partner Aine May Kennedy took to social media to celebrate his milestone, posting with four heart emojis: "First England international goal. So proud of you.
"You dream of these achievements and you never ever stop pushing yourself."
But she then followed it up with: “Not sure all my Irish family are too impressed”.
Aine, 27, is a model and she is believed to have met Gallagher when they were teenagers.
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The midfielder has Irish roots himself and is also eligible for Scotland.
Gallagher was not the only England man whose first Three Lions goal may have caused an uncomfortable family conversation.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who scored on debut off the bench to round off the rout, is the future son-in-law of Ireland legend Roy Keane.
The Southampton defender, 22, is engaged to the former Manchester United captain's daughter Leah.
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Keane was at Wembley on punditry duty and was asked about Harwood-Bellis, cheekily replying: "It’s not done and dusted yet, things can change really quickly in the Keane household."
But he also added: "It's nice for him, it's good for him to make his debut.
"He is a really kid good and his family have done a great job."
Roy Keane in heartfelt tribute to future son-in-law Taylor Harwood-Bellis after 'bittersweet' England goal vs Ireland_1
England ratings vs Ireland
England's newbies put on a five-star second half performance to hammer ten-man Ireland.
No fewer than four young Lions bagged their first international goal during the 5-0 win.
Here's how SunSport's Tom Barclay rated the England stars at Wembley.
Jordan Pickford: 6
Matched the great Gordon Banks by reaching 73 caps. But the Everton stopper was pretty much a spectator as Ireland showed little ambition in attack.
Tino Livramento: 7
Became the seventh player across Carsley’s three England camps to be handed a debut. It was his cross which caused panic in the Irish defence, allowing Gordon to volley home his first England goal.
Kyle Walker: 6
Played at centre-back in back four for his 93rd cap. Headed an early chance over, had a couple of scares before the break before being withdrawn just after the hour when the game was up for the visitors.
Marc Guehi: 7
Was a little clumsy with a challenge on Evan Ferguson inside the box before the break, but nothing was given. Set up a first England goal for his best mate Gallagher with a flick-on from a corner during the goal blitz at the start of the second half.
Lewis Hall: 7
Admitted to nerves before his debut on Thursday but did not seem to have any here on his first start, playing alongside his Newcastle colleagues Livramento and Gordon. Could this be the start of a long England career for one of our few natural left-backs?
Conor Gallagher: 8
Was given the nod ahead of Angel Gomes for the second successive game and capped it with his first England goal by poking home Guehi’s flick just before the hour. England’s confidence at that point was summed up by Gallagher attempting a rabona.
Curtis Jones: 7
Tidy, if not hitting the heights of his magnificent debut three days earlier. But overall, another success story of the brief Carsley era which has given Thomas Tuchel plenty more options to consider.
Noni Madueke: 7
His final ball was not quite there compared to his man-of-the-match performance in Athens. But the Chelsea man still caused Ireland all manner of problems with the explosive way he runs at opponents.
Jude Bellingham: 9 STAR MAN
Effectively had three assists as he won the penalty for Harry Kane’s opener - which led to Scales being sent off - and teed up goals for subs Bowen and Harwood-Bellis. A brilliant display from the Real Madrid superstar. How lucky we are to have him.
Anthony Gordon: 7
Lovely volley for his first England goal and you could see how much it meant to him with his celebration. Caused Ireland issues with his direct running in a promising display.
Harry Kane: 7
A ponderous first half led to genuine questions over his suitability to this team… but then he showed why he is still the man with a stunning ball to Bellingham in the build-up to the opener.
Stuck away the resulting penalty when Bellingham was tripped for his 69th England goal.
SUBS:
Taylor Harwood-Bellis (on for Walker, 62): 8
Followed up Jones’ feat in Greece of netting on his England debut as he brilliantly headed home Bellingham’s fine cross to make it five.
Morgan Rogers (on for Gordon, 74): 7
Looked confident when coming on and ready to cause more misery against the tired ten men of Ireland. Would have had an assist had Jarrod Bowen put away his cutback.
Dominic Solanke (on for Gallagher, 74): 6
Almost diverted in his first England goal from fellow sub Bowen’s cross but was beaten to it, just, by the defender.
Jarrod Bowen (on for Madueke, 74): 8
Crashed home his first England goal with his first touch, seconds after coming on, to make it 4-0.
Angel Gomes (on for Jones, 79): 6
Tidied up and looked comfortable again in possession. Booked.
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