Carney Chuckwuemeka's brace was the deciding factor in the Republic of Ireland Men's Under-19s defeat to England this evening as Tom Mohan's side fell to a 3-1 loss at the Banks's Stadium in Walsall.

Dane Scarlett gave England the lead early on, and despite James Abankwah's equaliser for Ireland, it was Chuckwuemeka's brace that secured the victory.

Scarlett put England ahead in the 5th minute with a header past Dan Rose in the Irish goal after a pass was delivered down the left-hand side. Ireland replied strongly to the early concession, with Johnny Kenny hitting the post, and England cleared the ball on the second attempt of the resulting scramble.

Despite having to make two early substitutions in the first half due to injuries to Sinclair Armstrong and Kenny, Ireland were able to draw level.

After a fantastic ball down the right side by Bosun Lawal that was fed to Cian Hayes in the box, who played the ball effectively and delivered the ball to Abankwah, the away side would draw level with a well-worked team goal.

But England responded swiftly after. Chuckwuemeka had his first attempt blocked before sliding the ball beyond Rose on the second attempt, giving England the lead just before halftime.

After an initial collision with Rose, Chuckwuemeka would score from close range for his second goal of the evening shortly after half-time. Ollie O'Neill had a chance to put Ireland back into the game, but his goal-bound shot was stopped.

Ireland continued to press for a second goal of the game, with O'Neill and Abankwah both coming close, but their efforts just missed the mark.

Sean Roughan came close to scoring for the young Boys in Green but his attempt was blocked by the English defence. Xavier Simons, a second-half substitution for England, came close to adding a fourth goal for the hosts, but his strike sailed wide of Rose's goal.

Just before full time, Dan Rose made a fantastic save after Aaron Ramsey put him to the test, forcing a smart save from the Irish goalkeeper. Evan Caffrey had a final attempt on goal for Ireland, but it was blocked by Matthew Cox and the English defence.

Next up for Tom Mohan's team is Portugal on Saturday at St. George's Park.

England: Cox, Norton-Cuffy (Oyegoke, 77), Quansah, Edwards, Doyle (Humphreys, 66 mins), Chuckwuemeka, Iroegbunam (Simons, 77), Devine (Edozie 66), Ramsey, Vale, Scarlett (Delap 66 mins).

Republic of Ireland: Rose, Abankwah, Lawal, Garcia MacNulty, Roughan, Adaramola, Nzingo, 87, Henry-Francis, McJannet, Kenny (Hayes, 35), Armstrong (Caffrey, 20), Ollie O’Neill.

Referee: Igor Pajac (Croatia)

UEFA Under-19 European Championship Elite Phase Qualifiers

Saturday, March 26 | Republic of Ireland MU19 vs Portugal MU19, St George’s Park, Staffordshire, England, KO 7.30pm

Tuesday, March 29 | Republic of Ireland MU19 vs Armenia MU19, St Georgie’s Park, Staffordshire, England, KO 7.30pm