Euro 2008 qualifier:
San Marino 1-2 Republic of Ireland

By Charlie Henderson

Have your say on the match with Ray Stubbs on Five Live's 606 from 2200 GMT. Call Stubbsy on 0500 909 693 or text the show on 85058.

"Once the goal went in there was nothing in reply from England. They have not won in four and you would have thought the manager would be out there urging his players on. There was no creativity. Steve McClaren will get mullered in the papers."
Alan Hansen, Match of the Day analyst

"England were devoid of ideas going forward and that would be worrying for me."
Alan Shearer, Match of the Day analyst

"The reports will not be complimentary and it is going to be a difficult period for Steve McClaren. What has he gained? There were far too many changes and it became a bit of a mish-mash."
Graham Taylor, Five Live analyst

Next up for England is their Euro 2008 qualifying trip to Israel on Saturday 24 March.

2148: FULL-TIME England 0-1 Spain
That is that and the final whistle is greeted by boos by the home fans inside Old Trafford. Those away supporters are dancing in delight - or maybe that's just them trying to stay warm.

2147: This is it for England. The last chance and they pump a long, hopeful free-kick into the mixer. It is easily cleared by Spain.

2145: There is the fourth official who signals there will be another two minutes.

2143: Spain are playing out time and are being allowed to do it quite easily, popping the ball around to each other as England chase shadows.

2142: There's the sound of seats tipping up as punters head for the exits. They have seen enough.

2141: All eyes on England now at Old Trafford. Stewart Downing crosses but Micah Richards cannot find Kieron Dyer with his knock down. Time is running out for an equaliser with five minutes left on the clock.

2139: FULL-TIME San Marino 1-2 Republic of Ireland
San Marino were so close to a most memorable result having lost their previous 37 qualifying matches, but it was not to be. The win will not stop Steve Staunton taking a whole load of flak, but his side are now third in Group D behind Germany and the Czech Republic.

2138: GOAL San Marino 1-2 Republic of Ireland
Phew! Irish eyes are smiling as, with about five seconds to go, Stephen Ireland stabs the ball home in a scramble inside the San Marino box.

2136: Peter Crouch nods a cross from Rio Ferdinand back across goal to Jermain Defoe, but the ball will not come down for the Spurs striker.

2135: Just the high five as Frank Lampard (published author) makes way for Joey Barton (literary critic) who is on for his England debut.

2134: The 90 minutes are up in San Marino where they are playing added time.

2130: Two more changes at Old Trafford. Stewart Downing replaces Phil Neville which means Gareth Barry goes to left-back, the position Steve McClaren said he did not want to play the Villa man in when he named the team! Cesc Fabregas replaces David Villa for the visitors.

2129: GOAL San Marino 1-1 Republic of Ireland
If you thought England were doing badly check out that scoreline. Manuel Marani is the man to find the net after taking advantage of a defensive mix-up between goalkeeper Wayne Henderson and Richard Dunne to poke home into an empty net. It is San Marino's first goal in qualifying this season.

2127: Iker Casillas punches a looping Frank Lampard free-kick to Michael Carrick who thumps a half-volley high and wide.

2126: Shaun Wright-Phillips and Jermain Defoe give each other a double high five as England's fourth substitution is made. A double high five. Is that a high 10?

2124: Mr Waddle will not be happy as Jermain Defoe is set to come on.

"This is where it becomes a bit of farce. Players are a bit cold coming on trying to find the pace of the game and England have come off the gas."
Chris Waddle, Five Live analyst

2120: Rio Ferdinand is now sporting the England armband.

2121: The goal draws a change, although it was in the pipeline before that firecracker of a shot from Andres Iniesta. Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher replace Gary Neville and Jonathan Woodgate, while Angel Arizmendi comes on for his debut in place of David Silva.

2120: And almost a goal in San Marino from a substitute, but not quite. Reading's Stephen Hunt hits the post within a minute of coming on.

2118: GOAL England 0-1 Spain
David Villa spins away from Jonathan Woodgate at the left corner and whips a cross in which Rio Ferdinand directs into the path of Andres Iniesta. Whoops! The substitute controls the ball with his first touch and rifles an unstoppable shot into the top corner with his second.

2115: News from the republic of San Marino - the oldest republic in the world apparently - where there is plenty of trickery from Damien Duff, but no end product as the hosts defend stoutly.

2114: Spain break with pace and precision and David Villa cracks a shot in from distance which Ben Foster does well to parry.

2113: That tempo that everyone wanted has made a belated entrance, but here come Spain...

2112: Spain make another change with Andres Iniesta on for the impressive Miguel Angel Angulo shortly after Gary Neville fires a shot over.

2110: Shouts for a penalty area at the other end but Javi Navarro's forceful challenge on Kieron Dyer is deemed fair.

"The game is further evidence as to how England miss a world-class player like Wayne Rooney, and England aren't blessed with too many of them. If England do not find a tempo or lose the game the criticism will come all the way."
Graham Taylor, Five Live analyst

2108: David Silva sets up Joan Capdevila in the box and the full-back takes a right old swinger at the ball, tumbling to the ground in a heap after an awesome air-shot. He attempts to distract the crowd from their mirth by claiming for a penalty, but he is having a laugh himself if he thinks he will get anything.

2104: Pablo Ibanez gets in a wonderful tackle in the box to steal the ball away from Frank Lampard who was looking to get on the end of Gary Neville's precise, low cross from the right.

2103: This is like the start to the first-half with a bit of razzle-dazzle - whatever the hell that means. Kieron Dyer slips a pass through to Shaun Wright-Phillips who fails to hit the target.

2102: That is some first telling touch from Fernando Torres. He whips an inviting cross over to the back post but David Villa is just unable to get on the end of it.

2101: Spain get the ball rolling again.

2100: Gary Neville will be the England captain in the second half as Steven Gerrard has made way for Gareth Barry. Spain make three changes with Fernando Torres replacing Fernando Morientes, Angel on for Carles Puyol and Sergio Ramos making way for Javi Navarro.

"England's tempo was great in the first 10 minutes, tackles were flying in and they didn't allow Spain to settle. We need to see more of that."
Alan Shearer, Match of the Day analyst

2056: GOAL San Marino 0-1 Republic of Ireland
Finally, a goal. Steve Finnan crosses from the right, Stephen Ireland nods the ball on and Kevin Kilbane directs a powerful header into the net. Relief for the travelling supporters.

2052: The action resumes in San Marino. A win would see the Republic of Ireland climb above Cyprus and Slovakia into third spot in Group D.

"The full-back is scared of Shaun (Wright-Phillips). You can see that and if he takes him on he can frighten the defender even more.
Ian Wright, Match of the Day analyst

"It is so patently obvious England are unbalanced on the left. You do not need to be an expert to see that. They have to make some changes and if they want to get some balance it is crying out for Gareth Barry. The game is being played at a slow tempo, but England are stretched. Spain are in control of the ball and the game."
Graham Taylor, Five Live analyst

"The two big pluses are the centre-backs - Rio Ferdinand and Jonathan Woodgate."
Alan Hansen, Match of the Day analyst

2045: HALF-TIME England 0-0 Spain
The first 45 finishes with Gary Neville getting a brief word from the German referee for a challenge on David Silva. England will be getting more than a brief word from head coach Steve McClaren.

2043: What a waste from Spain. A foul throw in an attacking position on the right from Joan Capdevila. That is ripe for a pitiful, sexist gag about girls playing football, but that is not the sort of stuff you would expect from the BBC so it is not the sort of stuff you will get from the BBC.

2040: The ball breaks for Gary Neville in an advanced position on the right flank but he fires a high cross into touch over the goal. It had the left-to-right flight of a nice tee shot, but unfortunately Neville Sr is not playing golf but football.

2038: Wake from your slumber. A chance for England. Steven Gerrard breaks and picks out Peter Crouch with a delightful pass off the outside of his right boot, but after controlling well the striker drags a tame shot wide.

2036: It has all got a bit dull at Old Trafford after that dazzling first 35 seconds or so. Miguel Angel Angulo's shot arcs wide of the target.

2034: HALF-TIME San Marino 0-0 Republic of Ireland
Well that is a surprise. It is a fair guess the last time went in at least level at the break was in that 1-0 win over Liechtenstein almost three years ago.

2033: Spain look to break down the left but the charging Sergio Ramos over-runs a David Villa pass and skids to a half in cartoon style. You can almost hear the sound effects.

2030: Richard Dunne heads a Damien Duff corner over the bar and Kevin Kilbane fires wide of the post as the Irish start to dominate the game but Steve Staunton cuts a frustrated figure on the touchline where he barks instructions.

2028: Never mind total football, it is total defending now with every England player in their own half as Spain try to pick a way through to Ben Foster's goal - that way's a dead end though.

"England are playing a dangerous game and Sergio Ramos and Miguel Angel Angulo can easily get on the ball on the right and they will overload it down there."
Graham Taylor, Five Live analyst

2026: Phil Neville is on the right as England pick up Spain's initial clearance and he passes to Jonathan Woodgate on the right wing! Total Football or what? Ajax eat your heart out.

2025: Kieron Dyer pops up on the left now and wins a corner off Pablo Ibanez. Frank Lampard fails to beat the first man with his delivery.

2024: Phil Neville flights a deep cross into the Spain box. Despite climbing high to get on the ball, Peter Crouch cannot direct his header on target.

2022: A measure of Spain's growing confidence can be seen by Carles Puyol charging forward over halfway, but England stand firm and halt their progress.

2019: Over in San Marino, Robbie Keane is wide with a long-range shot as the Republic struggle to break down the home defence.

2018: That was the Fernando Morientes that Liverpool fans saw. He managed just 12 goals in 18 months at the Anfield club, but since leaving he has scored 15 times in 18 starts at Valencia.

2017: David Villa sets in motion an incisive move from the right flank. His pass to Miguel Angel Angulo is moved on to Fernando Morientes but he blazes a shot wildly over the bar from the penalty spot. What's the Spanish for bobble?

2016: Good play from David Villa and you can see why so many clubs are reported to be interested in him. He works space by the corner flag and escapes the clutches of Jonathan Woodgate, but Xavi cannot do much with the ball after collecting a pass from the Valencia man.

2014: After a fast start things are really settling down. More patient and probing now rather than effervescent and entertaining.

2012: Well, he has been on the Chelsea wings for a long time so it should be no surprise that he looks a bit rusty on the England wing. Shaun Wright-Phillips fails to control a pass from Steven Gerrard and an attack breaks down as the ball goes out.

2011: That is what is odd about this Spain side. Instead of blue shorts they are wearing white.

2009: This time David Villa gets a shot away that ruffles the side-netting. He runs at Rio Ferdinand before firing a right-footed shot just wide from the edge of the area.

2007: This is more like it from Spain after that decidedly dodgy start. They are passing the ball well Jonathan Woodgate has to be on his guard to nick the ball off David Villa.

"England look unbalanced at times with Frank Lampard narrow on the left and Michael Carrick in that holding role. England can give problems to Spain in possession, but Spain can get at Phil Neville. The midfield three of Lampard, Carrick and Steven Gerrard are very narrow, very tight."
Graham Taylor, Five Live analyst

2005: Kieron Dyer, wearing the number nine shirt, is in fizzing form. He pops up on the right of the box but finds himself crowded out of things.

2003: A first touch for England debutant goalkeeper Ben Foster who thumps a back pass from Rio Ferdinand upfield.

2002: Skipper Robbie Keane has the first real chance for the Republic but skews his right-foot shot wide of the post.

2001: What a start from England! Kieron Dyer is in on the left but cannot find Peter Crouch with his square pass. From the corner Michael Carrick forces a save from Iker Casillas, who blocks the follow up from Dyer - who was offside anyway.

2000: We are underway as German referee Michael Wiener gets things going. That makes a change. Normally it is the players who are whiners, not the referee.

1957: A good old sing-song for England's fans, but not really their players who remain by-and-large tight lipped. There are the Neville brothers starting an international together for the first time since Kevin Keegan's England lost to Romania in Euro 2000. Is that a bad omen.

1956: The Spain fans in Old Trafford have a rum old time during the Marcha Real, although the bespectacled Luis Aragones is looking in a serious mood on the sidelines.

1955: The dignitaries have done their bit shaking hands along the lines of the two teams and now it's anthem time.

1954: The most recent meeting was the infamous 1-0 defeat at the Bernabeu in 2004 when the game was marred by racist abuse towards the likes of Ashley Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips. The last competitive clash was the goalless Euro 96 quarter-final at Wembley, when England progressed on penalties.

1953: Here come the players. In 20 meetings between the countries England have won 11, lost six and drawn three.

1951: There are a few more fans on show in Manchester than for the San Marino game. Old Trafford's filling up and the teams are in the tunnel. There's an expected crowd of about 50,000 for tonight's match.

1947: The action in San Marino starts a little late. The Republic of Ireland begin better against La Serenissima than England did in 1993 when Graham Taylor's side went behind after 8.3 seconds to Davide Gualtieri's goal.

1944: San Marino have not scored in their last seven matches - during which they conceded 45 goals - and last won in April 2004 when they beat Liechtenstein 1-0.

1942: The Republic beat San Marino 5-0 in November to win for the first time in six matches. That was the only time they have met before.

1939: As for the Republic of Ireland, skipper Robbie Keane will be leading the search for goals alongside debutant Shane Long.

Republic of Ireland team: Wayne Henderson, Steve Finnan, Richard Dunne, Ian Harte, John O'Shea, Damien Duff, Lee Carsley, Stephen Ireland, Kevin Kilbane, Robbie Keane, Shane Long.

1933: Despite including three English-based players in their squad - Pepe Reina, Xabi Alonso and Cesc Fabregas - Spain start with none of them. Former Liverpool striker Fernando Morientes leads the line with David Villa - one of five Valencia players in the side.

Teams:
England: Ben Foster; Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Jonathan Woodgate; Steven Gerrard, Michael Carrick, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Frank Lampard, Kieron Dyer; Peter Crouch.
Spain: Iker Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Pablo Ibanez, Carles Puyol, Joan Capdevila; David Silva, Xavi, David Albelda, Miguel Angel Angulo; David Villa, Fernando Morientes

1931: Defeats to Sweden and Northern Ireland mean La Furia Roja are fifth in the Euro 2008 qualifying group. And they lost their November friendly to Romania. Steve McClaren's England are flying high in comparison.

1930: But he is not the only manager under pressure at Old Trafford. Luis Aragones went two years in charge before losing as Spain boss, but since that reverse to France at the World Cup he has lost another three matches.

1927: Since taking over the helm from Sven-Goran Eriksson, Steve McClaren has overseen six matches, winning three and losing one. He is unbeaten in friendlies mind.

1925: That draw in Holland did not really help erase the memory of the poor performance at home to Macedonia and the loss to Croatia, which dented Steve McClaren's tentative start as England head coach.

1923: A roar goes up from those already inside Old Trafford as the England squad come out on a brisk Manchester night.

1922: As for the other Steve, McClaren will want to see his England side pick up from their good showing in the November friendly in Holland - a 1-1 draw if you need reminding.

1919: The order of the day for Steve Staunton's Republic of Ireland side are goals. And they should get some. San Marino have conceded 25 times in their three qualifying games so far.

1915: England open their account for 2007 with a friendly at Old Trafford against Spain, while the Republic of Ireland travel to San Marino for their Euro 2008 qualifier.