Evan Ferguson should have won a penalty at Wembley, according to his Republic of Ireland boss.

But the Albion striker returns to club duty after a chastening defeat – and a tough night without the ball.

Ferguson worked hard out of possession in a goalless first half as the Irish frustrated England in the UEFA Nations League clash.

The floodgates opened after the break as the Three Lions went on to win 5-0 and Ferguson was taken off midway through the second half.

But there was a feeling in the Irish camp he was fouled in the England box by Marc Guehi in that goalless opening 45.

Republic manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said: “I thought it was a penalty for sure. I don’t remember what the referee said, as to why they didn’t give it but, of course, that would have changed the momentum in the game.”

Ferguson can still look back on a positive international window which saw him start both games, look strong and score the winner against Finland.

He will now aim for playing time with his club at Bournemouth, a venue where he scored a memorable back-heel goal two seasons ago.

Andrew Moran, the Albion midfielder on loan at Stoke City, went on in the later stages for his second senior cap and his first in a competitive fixture.

Earlier, Albion duo Jamie Mullins and Mark O’Mahony, currently on loan at Portsmouth, both scored as the Republic of Ireland under-21s beat Sweden 3-2 in a friendly.

The pair combined well for Mullins’ goal and O’Mahony later added the finishing touch to a well-timed cross from Seagulls under-21 defender Jacob Slater.