Three thousand England fans descended on Dublin today for the first competitive match against Ireland in the capital since the infamous 1995 game was abandoned due to violence.

The friendly rivalry was on display with England fans outnumbered fifteen to one by their Irish counterparts. The early 5pm kick off is hoped to help ensure the event passes without problems.

There was a large Garda presence outside the Aviva Stadium, formerly known as Lansdowne Road, on a fine sunny day.

England fans gathered at the Grand Canal Hotel, ten minutes walk from the ground, where the Guinness was soon flowing. Rowdy Irish fans packed out the nearby Slattery's pub, singing "Come on You Boys In Green" and a number of chants designed to antagonise Three Lions supporters.

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A small scuffle broke out shortly after 4pm as fans began to make their way into the stadium. But a Gardai spokesperson said there had been no arrests so far and no significant reported trouble.

Gavin from Newry brought his two children Sophie, 13, and Thomas, 11 down on the train to the game. He said: "We're hoping England don't win by too much. We will be up for it anyway."

England fan Mark Jacula, visiting from Ontario, Canada, with his family including Audrey, 23, and Ben, 10, said: "This is our first football game."We have never seen anything like this back home. The atmosphere is amazing, very exciting."

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