Republic of Ireland Women 0 – 2 England Women

England received their first Euro 2025 qualifying recreation with a 2-0 win towards the Republic of Ireland, due to first-half objectives from Lauren James and Alex Greenwood.

The phrase ‘should-win’ was already being touted for England’s the second qualification match, such is the problem of Group A3. They had drawn 1-1 with Sweden at Wembley on Friday, and wanted a victory to spice up their hopes of qualifying mechanically for Euro 2025.

James settled some nerves inside 12 minutes as she slotted residence after a form ricochet off former England youth worldwide Anna Patten.

Greenwood’s penalty (18) doubled England’s chief after Ruesha Littlejohn was penalised for handball. But she did miss a second effort quickly after, hitting the put up after Louise Quinn was additionally judged to have dealt with the ball, albeit harshly.

Ireland pushed for objectives late on of their greatest spell of the sport, however poor passing within the closing third and a scarcity of of entirety price them the prospect for some well-known factors.

England now transfer second in Group A3 with 4 factors, two behind France, who beat Sweden 1-0 earlier on Tuesday. Ireland stay backside with no factors.

How England beat the Republic of Ireland

The two sides had not met in 37 years, and it was England who went forward early on. Lucy Bronze was picked out over on the fitting of the field, and her tried move ricocheted off Patten. It then fell kindly for the ready James, who slotted residence.

Five minutes later and England had been awarded a penalty. It took the referee a second to contemplate her determination, however she pointed to the spot after Jess Park’s tried shot hit the raised arms of Littlejohn. Greenwood then coolly completed into the left nook.

Just earlier than the hour, the Lionesses had one other penalty awarded. This time, it was Louise Quinn who was penalised for handball, though the choice was far harsher. The defender had little time to react to the incoming ball, and with no VAR, the choice couldn’t be reviewed.

Greenwood once more stepped as much as take, selecting to go proper. However, her effort hit the put up earlier than going large as England missed the prospect so as to add their third.

The begin of the second was a quiet affair, however Courtney Brosnan made a sensational save within the sixty fifth minute. Alessia Russo nodded down a James cross for the incoming Fran Kirby, however her shot from shut vary was stopped by the physique of the goalkeeper.

But Ireland might have pulled a objective again late on. Katie McCabe floated a cross to Louise Quinn on the again put up, who then flashed the ball by way of six-yard field. No different inexperienced shirt might convert earlier than Kirby noticed it behind for a nook.

Hannah Hampton was wanted to maintain out Hayes too as she tried to show residence from McCabe’s nook. But the goalkeeper was positioned appropriately to push the hassle away, as she ended the sport with a clear sheet.

What’s subsequent?

England‘s Euros qualifying marketing campaign continues subsequent month when internet hosting France at St James’ Park on May 31; kick-off 8pm.

Republic of Ireland return to motion on the identical night time, entertaining Sweden at Aviva Stadium; kick-off 7.30pm.

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