Sarina Wiegman was wired for sound for another five star England display - but faces a race against time ahead of the Euros quarter final.
Three Lions boss Wiegman was not on the touchline after testing positive for Covid and radioed through messages to her assistant Arjan Veurink as England carried on their goalscoring exploits.
Beth Mead scored, provided an assist while two-goal substitute Alessia Russo got in on the act as they took their tally to 14 goals in their three Group matches.
It keeps up the momentum and feel good factor ahead of next Wednesday’s quarter final - which will either be against Spain or Denmark - but they do not know whether Wiegman will be able to take her place on the touchline.
Veurink said: “Sarina is doing well, but not good enough to be here and every individual reacts differently to Covid so it’s tough for me to say anything.
“She will not join us live but she had contact with the team through technology and made her influence on the game as well.
“But the team performance, despite everything going on and played really well. Sarina will be really happy with this performance as well.”
The Lionesses were way too good for Northern Ireland even if the green army of fans at a sold out St Mary’s celebrated more than the England supporters - despite losing 5-0.
Northern Ireland actually put up brave resistance as they did not concede until the 40th minute but then caved in and whoever England play next will be fearful of the in-form tournament hosts.
England did not make any changes from the team which put eight past Norway and they maintained the momentum and feel good factor.
Chelsea forward Fran Kirby opened the scoring after 40 with a precise shot into the top corner and then Mead made it 2-0 four minutes later.
Incredibly, Mead has 19 goals, 12 assists in 15 games under Wiegman’s reign with five in this tournament alone and she has become England’s most important player.
It was Mead who created the third goal in the 48th minute, this time putting over a cross from the right and Russo scored with her first touch as she headed home from close range.
But Russo’s second was an absolute gem. Toone played a clever through ball, Russo then did a fabulous turn and drag back before firing low into the bottom corner.
England got a fifth after 76 minutes when Mead chipped into the box and Northern Ireland substitute Kelsie Burrows sliced the ball over her keeper and into her own net.
Northern Ireland boss Kenny Shiels said: “England have the best players and anything else but them winning the tournament would be failure.”
