England v Republic of Ireland - in pictures

It's no wonder that Irish legs are dancing, England haven't beaten Ireland since 1985. Will Roy Hodgson's charges change that in 90 minutes time? Photograph: Tom Jenkins

The England team, wearing their Nike kit for the first time, are led out by Ashley Cole, who is captain for the night in honour of him becoming the seventh England player to reach the 100 cap mark Photograph: Tom Jenkins

It seems that last October's tweet by Cole has been forgotten about by FA chairman David Bernstein Photograph: Tom Jenkins

To mark his entrance to the 100 cap club, Cole is presented with a special Golden Cap by England boss Roy Hodgson Photograph: Tom Jenkins

The mascot on the left seems to overcome by the emotion of the occasion Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Here's a close up of England's new Nike kit, and some of Theo Walcott's tatts Photograph: Tom Jenkins

The Irish fans are in fine voice ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Whilst the England fans pass around a huge flag Photograph: Tom Jenkins

The first ten minutes are a cagey affair, here Glen Johnson beats Aiden McGeady to the ball Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Then after 13 minutes the visitors take the lead with a fabulous header from Shane Long. Seamus Coleman puts in a lovely swinging cross from the right towards Long who is around 12 yards out, he leaps brilliantly and glances a header past the despairing dive of Joe Hart Photograph: Tom Jenkins

The jubilant Irish fans paint the air green with a flare as they celebrate their lead Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Daniel Sturridge is soon stretchered off after twisting his ankle under a challenge from Whelan Photograph: Tom Jenkins

That lead only lasts ten minutes as Lampard stumbles past a clutch of Irish defenders and pokes the ball in from close-range following Daniel Sturridge's left-wing cross Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain puts in a cross Photograph: Tom Jenkins

A flying Glen Johnson Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Wayne Roooney is under pressure from James McCarthy. It's all square as the teams go in at half-time Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Connor Sammon out jumps Michael Carrick Photograph: Tom Jenkins

England continue to press forward in the second half but can't find a way through the Irish defence - here Wayne Rooney's shot is blocked by Sean St Ledger Photograph: Tom Jenkins

David Forde catches a corner in front of Gary Cahill Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Stephen Kelly slides in to dispossess Theo Walcott Photograph: Tom Jenkins

The final whistle goes and former Man United team-mates John O'Shea and Wayne Rooney swap shirts. It's a safe bet that in years to come they won't be swapping recollections of this game, as after an OK first half, the second half was rather poor and the game had end of season friendly written all over it Photograph: Tom Jenkins