Irish fans lament the distinct lack of Jon Walters in first half against Belgium

Jon Walters' heroic 65 minutes against Sweden were one of his best yet in an Ireland jersey.

And his zero minutes against Belgium were a significant factor in the Republic of Ireland's first-half struggles against a side whose defensive frailties were exploited by a relatively unspectacular Italian attack, at least on paper, on Monday night. Walters was ruled out of Ireland's second Euro 2016 group tie with a recurrence of his Achilles injury and, my God, his absence was telling. Darren Randolph's kickouts repeatedly resulted in immediate Belgium attacks due to the fact that Ireland lacked the Stoke forward's power in the air and Shane Long had no outlet or support when he so happened win the ball. Walters may not have the technical ability of an Andres Iniesta or the skill to produce moments of unfathomable brilliance like Cristiano Ronaldo but, Jesus, we're missing him in Bordeaux. https://twitter.com/coyspurs/status/744161918710071297 https://twitter.com/SleevesElliott/status/744161452475424768 https://twitter.com/chrismboulay/status/744161446087491584 https://twitter.com/WestHamWaycouk/status/744161134719148033 https://twitter.com/KCsixtyseven/status/744161002309189632 https://twitter.com/WillieGannon/status/744161105761734656 https://twitter.com/StokieAnt32/status/744160453761306624 https://twitter.com/mikie2999/status/744157344943181824 https://twitter.com/cjor1172/status/744157168241352704 https://twitter.com/IsThatTequila_/status/744156405050052612 https://twitter.com/evanfanning/status/744154574055968768 https://twitter.com/Chinerz/status/744154315309318144 https://twitter.com/crowesgalway/status/744162911292129280 https://twitter.com/Kaboom_13/status/744164828260990978 https://twitter.com/laura_prior/status/744164757759008769