England and the Republic of Ireland played out a goalless draw with few clear-cut chances in an international friendly at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin this afternoon.

The home side made the brighter start to the match as David McGoldrick won a corner just moments after kickoff, while Chris Smalling was called into action to stop Daryl Murphy heading in from a Robbie Brady cross.

Joe Hart had to remain alert as Jeff Hendrick tried to head in from a corner, before Murphy unleashed a powerful low strike which the keeper had to divert around the post.

Martin O'Neill's men continued to look the more likely for much of the first half, with a dangerous free kick from Hendrick falling to Murphy, but he could not get his header on target.

The visitors had a strong spell just before the break, with Adam Lallana setting up Smalling from a free kick, before attempting a shot himself from just outside the box, but neither efforts caused a problem for Keiren Westwood.

England were quick out of the blocks in the second half as Jordan Henderson picked out Wayne Rooney with a through ball just a couple of minutes after the restart, but the captain's first touch was poor and the chance went begging.

Republic of Ireland quickly pushed back down the other end, with Brady looking to test the visitors with a free kick to the near post, but Hart was able to claim it.

The hosts continued to create opening as Jonathan Walters came off the bench to power the ball towards the England goal, but Hart made a diving save.

Both sides made a string of changes as the match progressed, each sending on a player for their international debut as Harry Arter and Jamie Vardy were introduced, with the Irishman quickly making an impact as fired wide.

England started to dominate in the final 15 minutes as Phil Jones and James Milner both provided promising deliveries into the box, but the first was cleared before the latter's ended up in the hands of substitute keeper Shay Given.

Roy Hodgson's side continued to press for a late winner as Ross Barkley struck the ball low from 20 yards out, but his finish was well wide of the post.

There was a late scare for the visitors as Phil Jagielka left space at the back for Walters, but the striker was crowded out before he could get the shot away, ensuring that the tie ended in a stalemate.