Ireland fans aimed much of their frustration at Adam Idah following the national team’s 2-0 defeat to England, but Irish media outlets have offered more measured assessments, highlighting mitigating factors in the striker’s underwhelming performance.
England’s comfortable victory came courtesy of first-half goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, leaving little room for Ireland to respond.
The Three Lions dominated the match, restricting Ireland to just one shot on target and only 24 per cent possession in Dublin. The fevered atmosphere quickly faded as Lee Carsley began his interim tenure with a commanding display from his side.
Opportunities for Ireland were scarce, and Idah’s main chance came in the form of a header, which he directed harmlessly over the bar, prompting groans from the Aviva Stadium crowd.
The Norwich City striker became the target of much post-match ire on social media, with one frustrated fan claiming they’d be “happy to never see him pull on the Irish jersey again.” Criticisms of being “uninterested,” “immobile,” and showing a “poor attitude” were levelled at the player.
However, the Irish media painted a more sympathetic picture of the £9m Celtic signing. Many pointed to the fact that the team as a whole struggled, with few standout performances in the Irish camp.
Ipswich’s Sammie Szmodics found little space to create behind Idah, while Everton’s Seamus Coleman and Wolves’ Matt Doherty were both substituted before the hour mark after battling to contain England’s relentless attacks down the flanks.
Website balls.ie defended Idah, pointing out that he was “consistently isolated” due to England’s dominance.
They wrote: “Adam Idah was consistently isolated and struggled to get any form of time on the ball in the first half. When he did, he headed well wide with his only meaningful chance of the game. His pace and strength were ultimately not enough to bring him any kind of joy against the England defence.”
The Irish Times offered a more critical perspective but dismissed the notion that Idah was lacking effort. They commented:
“One of those games where he probably wishes he picked another profession for himself. Chased for all he was worth, wrestled the night away with Marc Guehi, all for no reward.”
Idah and Ireland will be hoping to recover quickly when they face Greece on Tuesday, September 10. Afterward, Idah and teammate Liam Scales will return to Celtic, ahead of their crucial domestic clash with Hearts next Saturday.