Manager Gareth Southgate gave his undercard a chance as he kept England's main players back for the Uefa Nations League match in Belgium on Sunday - but they still had far too much for an outclassed Republic side.
Jude Bellingham, brought on as a substitute for his debut in the second half, became England's third-youngest full international at 17 years and 137 days.
And Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson also won his first senior cap as a half-time replacement for Burnley's Nick Pope.
Harry Maguire, given the captain's armband, erased some of the misery of his last England appearance - when he was sent off in the Nations League home defeat by Denmark - by heading in Harry Winks' cross after 18 minutes.
Jadon Sancho doubled England's advantage before the break and their total control was emphasised when Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored emphatically from the penalty spot in the 56th minute after Bukayo Saka was fouled by Cyrus Christie. It sealed England's first win against the Republic since 1985.
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