ENGLAND’S clash in Ireland suffered a security scare just before kick-off after an idiot prankster got on to the pitch.
Pitch invader Daniel Jarvis, who was in a Three Lions‘ kit, ran on to join Lee Carsley‘s visiting team lining up – and had to be led away by three officials.
And it wasn’t the only awkward moment ahead of a dramatic start to the Nations League match at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium
England’s new interim chief Carsley, who won 40 caps for Ireland, initially headed for the WRONG dugout.
Three Lions stars Declan Rice and Jack Grealish – who have also played for the Irish at various levels – were also booed as they came out.
But Rice thumped England in front on 11 minutes from a loose ball.
However, he made a point of not celebrating – putting his arms out with his palms down and looking blank-faced.
Earlier, YouTube prankster “Jarvo” – who was behind the BBC studio sex noise stunt and has been banned form racecourses – had got as far as the England team as they linked arms yards inside the touchline minutes before the match got underway.
Three men came up to steer him off as the national anthems continued.
He didn’t resist but appeared reluctant to go – even making a questioning gesture with his arms.
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He was then handed over to security staff on the perimeter.
Meanwhile, Carsley divided opinion by declining to sing the national anthem.
But he won many over with England’s quick start, with Rice netting from the pick of some lightning early counter-attacks.
Incredibly, it was Grealish who then doubled England’s lead, sweeping home on 26 minutes.
The Manchester City playmaker DID run away to rejoice – with a jumping thump of the air – but it was perhaps a little muted.
