Pitch invader hilariously poses with England squad ahead of Three Lions’ 2-0 win over Ireland 

England's match against Ireland turned hilarious after a pitch invader dressed up in the Three Lions’ kit posed beside the players. 

Pitch invader hilariously poses with England squad ahead of Three Lions’ 2-0 win over Ireland 

England's match against Ireland was invaded by a fan, who evaded security. (via X)

In a hilarious start to a match between England and Ireland, a pitch invader dressed up in the Three Lions’ kit posed beside the players, as they lined up ahead of the match. He had evaded security to join the team at the end of the line. 

The fan adorned a hilarious number ‘69’ England replica jersey, and evaded stadium security to jump onto the pitch at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. He ran and posed beside England star Anthony Gordon and also tried to reach out to the forward, before being hauled off by security personnel.

YouTube video

This led to a rather amusing scenario, as the players were lining up for the national anthem. Some fans claimed that the prankster was English comedian and pitch-invader Daniel Jarvis a.k.a Jarvo69. Jarvo has been banned from attending matches, having run onto the field often during cricket matches, also having been arrested for the same.

Meanwhile, England went on to win the match 2-0, thanks to goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish. The Arsenal star opened the scoring in the 11th minute through a resounding strike, but refrained from celebrating the goal. Grealish later added a 26th minute goal, also assisted by Rice, sealing the win for the home side.

The two players, however, were jeered by Irish fans, as they booed the two stars who once played for Ireland at youth level. Apart from the pitch invasion, interim manager Lee Carsley also made a joke out of himself by going to sit in the wrong dugout before kick-off.

Lee Carsley responds to criticism over his decision to not sing the national team’s anthem

The UEFA Nations League encounter between the Three Lions and Ireland turned out to be a tense one. Meanwhile, England’s new interim manager Lee Carsley stood on the sidelines, as he ignored to sing the national anthem owing to a previous decision. 

Lee Carsley national anthem
England manager Lee Carsley did not sing England’s national anthem, against Ireland. (via The Mirror)

Carsley had asserted that he would not sing the English anthem, having previously played for the Republic of Ireland. This, however, left English fans furious with their new manager. Speaking after the match, the former under-21 manager clarified that he did respect both the teams’ national anthems, and that he was focused on his commitment to football and management.

I fully respect people's opinions. It's something that I've never done but I fully respect both national anthems... I don't think it makes me or anyone that doesn't any less committed.
Lee Carsley on not singing the English national anthem (H/T: Sky Sports)

The English national anthem also received boos from Irish fans, owing to the existing rivalry between the two nations. The rivalry is not only limited to football, but also involves political and cultural rivalry. 

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