England’s hopes of automatic qualification for Euro 2025 were kept alive by a rousing 2-1 win over Ireland at Carrow Road.
Sarina Wiegman’s side got off to a fast start, scoring inside five minutes as a Beth Mead flick-on found Alessia Russo, who rounded Courtney Brosnan smartly. But that efficiency was not symptomatic of England on the whole.
The hosts struggled for fluency against an Irish side who are yet to win a point in their respective qualifying campaign. Jess Park probed, Russo harried, but nothing was coming off.
Wiegman looked to her bench for an injection of inspiration – introducing Millie Bright and Niamh Fahey at half-time – but actually found it via the misfortune of Ireland defender Niamh Fahey.
Georgia Stanway converted England’s second from the penalty spot
Lauren Hemp was hauled to the ground inside the box by Fahey, allowing Georgia Stanway the chance to ease pressure from the penalty spot. She did just that, sending Brosnan the wrong way, before Julie-Ann Russell scored a stoppage-time consolation for Ireland.
More to follow…
What’s next?
The Lionesses end their qualifying campaign by facing Sweden in Gothenburg on July 16. With a win or a draw, England will secure automatic qualification for Euro 2025.
Key Euro 2025 qualifying dates
July 16: Sweden vs England, Gamla Ullevi, kick-off 6pm
Play-off draw: July 19
Play-off round one (two legs): October 23-29
Play-off round two (two legs): November 27-December 3
Euro 2025 finals draw: December 16
Euro 2025 finals: July 2-27 2025 – Switzerland