Republic of Ireland vs. England: Winners and Losers from International Friendly

England and Ireland played out a drab goalless draw at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday.

With bigger fixtures on the horizon as both sides attempt to qualify for Euro 2016, this had more the feeling of a testimonial game about it than an international fixture between two big rivals.

It was 20 years since England had visited Dublin, and the hope was that the Three Lions' return would produce something to mark the occasion.

It didn't.

Despite a bright start from Martin O'Neill's Ireland side, the pace was flat, and England struggled to impose themselves in the way they would have hoped.

And shortly after the hour, both managers conceded defeat, making a swath of substitutions that impacted the mood all the more.

All in all, it was a forgettable afternoon.

If you can bear to relive it, Bleacher Report brings you the winners and losers from this international friendly.

Winners: The England Fans

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Despite making the trip across the Irish Sea to watch a drab 0-0 draw, the England fans will remember this game for much more than being a dull affair.

It was a moment that showed how English football culture has changed in the past two decades—for the better.

The last time England were in Dublin was 1995, and the game was called off during the first half when some fans started throwing missiles on the pitch.

It escalated into much worse and was a black stain on the England team and the supporters.

The visit of the Three Lions this time out was much more pleasant and far from any violence, as the atmosphere was more jovial.

At one point, the English fans could be heard making light of the recent FIFA scandal, singing to their Irish rivals, "Sepp Blatter, he paid for your ground."

Overall, while the team didn't earn too many plaudits, the England fans certainly did.

Loser: International Football

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This game was so dire; it wasn't the ideal advert for international football.

With such a riveting Champions League final between Barcelona and Juventus played out in Berlin less than 24 hours previously, Ireland facing England reminded us of how the international game has been damaged in more recent times.

Outside of the major competitions, the bottom has fallen out.

Both sets of players seemed to be going through the motions for large parts of the game. With nothing riding on the encounter, there was very little energy, and the entertainment lacked as a result.

The problem with international football is the number of meaningless games teams play. Friendlies detract from those that really matter, taking the edge off.

Club football is dominating right now, and with more games of this nature, it's clear to see why.

Winner: Jamie Vardy

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While this game will be forgotten rather quickly by both sets of supporters and the players alike, Jamie Vardy is sure to remember it fondly.

The Leicester City striker made his England debut at the Aviva Stadium, replacing Wayne Rooney after 75 minutes.

It completes what has been a remarkable few months for the 28-year-old after he played a big role in Leicester City escaping relegation.

Just three years ago, Vardy was playing non-league football for Fleetwood Town; now he's an international footballer.

It's been an incredible journey, and regardless of the result, Vardy will always remember the day he first turned out for his country.

Loser: Raheem Sterling

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With so much focus surrounding Raheem Sterling's Liverpool future, the England midfielder would have benefited from a strong performance in Ireland.

It would have switched the agenda—we would have gone back to discussing Sterling in terms of his ability as a footballer and what an impact he has had on this England team.

Instead it's more of the same, and the criticism continues to fall at Sterling's door.

He was poor against the Irish, and that has only acted to amplify his current position at Liverpool.

Sterling needed to change the conversation, but he's prolonged it.

Loser: The England Attack

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Sure, this was a friendly, and the pace of the game lacked as a result, but England's attacking performance was the biggest disappointment.

For a team containing the talents of Wayne Rooney, Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson, they should have done better. Much better.

It took England 44 minutes to register a shot on target and, at any level, that has to go down as a big disappointment.

Were England facing the likes of Belgium and Germany, it could have been excused.

Things got better after the break, but against inferior opposition, they should have done better.

Winner: The England Defence

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While the England attackers disappointed against Ireland, there was more positive news for their defence.

The England rearguard has come in for plenty of criticism this past year, but Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling performed well under pressure against the Irish.

Phil Jones and Ryan Bertrand also impressed on the flanks.

The key to Roy Hodgson's rebuilding project with the Three Lions is finding a defensive strategy to give this team a base from which they can build.

England aren't blessed with world-class defenders of the ilk of those from the more recent past. The likes of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand are long since gone, but it needn't be about stars.

If England can find the key partnerships at the back, their future will look a lot better for it.