World Cup

While previously the Australian contingent in the Championship had been focused purely on the likes of Massimo Luongo, Bailey Wright and Socceroos skipper Mile Jedinak, now Irvine is taking centre stage.

Two Australians have caught the eye in a big way this year in England’s second tier. Both have arrived this season from foreign clubs, both are midfielders and both are earning rave reviews. One is Aaron Mooy, the playmaker pushing Huddersfield Town towards promotion into the Premier League.

To meet André Schürrle’s cross in extra time, Mario Götze had sprinted to the top-right corner of the six-yard box. As he cushioned the ball mid-jump with his chest, the attacking midfielder had his back to Sergio Romero in the Argentina goal and momentum threatened to push him over the goalline.

Jermain Defoe could make his first international appearance in over three years when England face Germany in a friendly in Dortmund on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old has not played for the Three Lions since a 2-0 defeat to Chile in November 2013, but his form for Sunderland has earned him a recall to the squad.

Roy Keane says his Republic of Ireland players should enjoy facing one of the world’s best when Gareth Bale and Wales visit for Friday’s World Cup Qualifier.

The Irish are unbeaten and top of Group D heading into the game against last summer’s Euro 2016 semi-finalists, who are four points back in third.

Ian Rush hopes Gareth Bale can move closer to breaking his international goals record by helping Wales get their World Cup qualifying bid back on track in Dublin.

Republic of Ireland’s preparations for Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Wales have been hit by the news Wes Hoolahan has been ruled out with a thigh strain.

With star man Robbie Brady already suspended for Friday night’s showdown at the Aviva Stadium, and first-choice central defensive pairing Shane Duffy and Ciaran Clark, as well as midfielder Harry Arter, ruled out through injury it is an unwelcome development for Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill.