Tommy Martin on Ireland v England: A game nobody wants, in front of nobody, without animus

There have been Irish contestants on The X Factor whose fortunes will have more impact on the nation than whatever happens at Wembley tonight

Manager Stephen Kenny speaking to his players during a Republic of Ireland training session at The Hive in London. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Thu, 12 Nov, 2020 - 06:00

Tommy Martin

Tommy Martin is a broadcaster and presenter who writes on a broad range of Irish and international sport’s topics.

When you think about it, tonight’s match between England and the Republic of Ireland is an event of great historical significance.

Not in itself, of course. In the long history of encounters between the two nations, this may well be the least important. And I don’t just mean in war or football. There have been Irish contestants on The X Factor whose fortunes will have more impact on the nation than whatever happens at Wembley tonight.