England kept their hopes of securing automatic qualification for Euro 2025 alive with a comfortable and controlled victory over Republic of Ireland at Carrow Road.
The Lionesses knew a win was essential to set up an easier scenario against Sweden next Tuesday and got the match started in fine fashion. Alessia Russo making a run into the box, Beth Mead flicking the ball to her and the forward striking home within the first five minutes.
However, Ireland rallied well and kept England at bay until the break. In the second half, Niamh Fahey was caught dallying in possession by Lauren Hemp and brought the forward down inside the box. Georgia Stanway slotted home the resultant penalty and England thought that was that.
Yet, after constant pressure from Ireland Julie Russell turned the ball past Hannah Hampton to net a late consolation for the visitors. But, England take the three points and jump above Sweden in the group knowing that a draw on Tuesday evening will be enough to send them through.
Relive the action with our live blog below as the Lionesses face Ireland:
England v Ireland LIVE
- Lionesses beat Ireland 2-0 in a Euro 2025 qualifier and move above Sweden in group
- France lead Swedes in Group A3’s other fixture this evening and on brink of securing qualification
- 90+4’ GOAL! - Russell pulls one back for Ireland (ENG 2-1 IRE)
- 57’ GOAL! - Stanway converts from the penalty spot (ENG 2-0 IRE)
- 15’ SAVE! - A double save from Brosnan keeps England at bay (ENG 1-0 IRE)
- 5’ GOAL! - Russo finishes off a good move (ENG 1-0 IRE)
Lionesses triumph over Republic of Ireland to move within a point of Euro 2025
Friday 12 July 2024 22:34
Mike Jones
England took one step closer to booking a place at Euro 2025 with a 2-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland in their Carrow Road qualifier.
Alessia Russo fired the defending European champions into the lead after just five minutes in front of a sold-out crowd in Norwich, undeterred by the soggy conditions and delighted to welcome the Lionesses back for the first time since the 2022 Arnold Clark Cup.
Georgia Stanway doubled England’s advantage with a second-half penalty but Julie-Ann Russell denied the hosts a clean sheet in the fourth and final minute of added time.
FT England 2-1 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 22:27
Mike Jones
England manager Sarina Wiegman speaking to ITV: “Happy with the result. I thought we started really well and scored an incredible goal. After that we created a lot of chances but should have played more in the pockets. We were sloppy in moments too. In the second half we could have put it to bed. I was very frustrated about their goal in the 90th minute.
“They tried to push a little higher but they didn’t do a lot different. We kept playing short a lot and we should have skipped players a little more.
“That’s going to be a totally different game. Today the team was really aggressive in press but you cant do that for 90 minutes. The game on Tuesday we will show that too. Sweden have to win. We always know what we want to do better in the next game.
“In the training sessions they did well. We did some management of load and we had some yellow cards in the team so also wanted to manage that and take some risk out of that.”
FT England 2-1 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 22:20
Mike Jones
A night to remember for our two debutants ❤️ pic.twitter.com/IbvZyyNMsO
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 12, 2024
FT England 2-1 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 22:13
Mike Jones
England’s Jess Park speaking to ITV: “Job’s done. We got the three points. We are disappointed to have conceded that goal but we had lots of opportunities to put the ball in the net and we’re happy with the three points.
“I loved every second. I always want to be on the field so it was a real good game. We’re so focused. We’ve been working really hard and just want to get those three points.”
FT England 2-1 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 22:02
Mike Jones
Full-time! England 2-1 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 21:55
Mike Jones
90+4 mins: England get the three points. In truth it was a comfortable night for the Lionesses who needed to win and did just that.
Sarina Wiegman handed out a couple of debuts, played some of her fringe players and watched Alessia Russo and Georgia Stanway convert goals.
Julie Russell added a consolation goal right at the end which is also Ireland’s first goal of their campaign. That’s a blip for England but they’ll be pleased with the result.
GOAL! England 2-1 Republic of Ireland (Russell, 90+4’)
Friday 12 July 2024 21:53
Mike Jones
90+4 mins: A long throw from Megan Campbell sends the ball to Caitlin Hayes who nods the ball on. Julie Russell shields the dropping ball then whips it into the back of the net with Hannah Hampton having no chance to stop it from close range.
England 2-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 21:49
Mike Jones
90 mins: Four minutes of added time to play.
England 2-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 21:47
Mike Jones
88 mins: Aggie Beever-Jones becomes the second England debutant of the evening as she comes on to replace Lauren Hemp. She had a fantastic season in the WSL, can she replicate that on the international stage tonight and on Tuesday versus Sweden?
England 2-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 21:44
Mike Jones
85 mins: Very nice game management from England now too. Maintain possession, work the ball across the pitch, keep Ireland running and chasing it.
Competent work.
England 2-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 21:40
Mike Jones
81 mins: Alex Greenwood and Millie Bright defend two Irish corners well before England look to counter attack. Kiernan makes a cynical tackle to stop the break from developing and gets herself a yellow card.
England 2-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 21:37
Mike Jones
78 mins: This is better from Ireland. Time is running away from them but they’ve moving the ball nicely, pushing England back and making runs past the centre-backs.
Could they possibly score and ignite some drama into the end of this game?
England 2-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 21:34
Mike Jones
75 mins: Ireland burst forward quickly and space opens up for O’Sullivan. She lets fly on a decent strike but Alex Greenwood charges her down and blocks the effort on the edge of the box.
Good defending.
England 2-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 21:31
Mike Jones
72 mins: There’s a clash of head between Le Tissier and Kiernan with the Irish player seemingly coming off slightly worse. Both players seem okay after a touch of treatment and the match resumes.
England 2-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 21:29
Mike Jones
69 mins: Magan Campbell comes on for Ireland replacing Ruesha Littlejohn in midfield. A solid competitior Campbell also has a mean long throw that could be a threat to England.
Sarina Wiegman also makes a change. Alessia Russo goes off with Jess Naz brought on for her debut.
England 2-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 21:25
Mike Jones
66 mins: After some slow build-up Maya Le Tissier points down the line then flicks a pass over the top. Chloe Kelly makes the run but gets beaten to the ball and Ireland send the ball out for a throw in.
England 2-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 21:21
Mike Jones
63 mins: There’s a loud roar as Chloe Kelly, forever an England favourite after her Euro 2022 heroics, comes on to replace Beth Mead.
Lauren Hemp moves over to the left with Kelly slotting in on the right wing.
England 2-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 21:19
Mike Jones
60 mins: An hour played at Carrow Road. England have control and they have a cushion thanks to Stanway’s penalty. Ireland were just starting to click having effective nullified the English attack.
They’ll need to rebuild again.
GOAL! England 2-0 Republic of Ireland (Stanway, 57’)⚽️
Friday 12 July 2024 21:15
Mike Jones
57 mins: Georgia Stanway steps up for England, slotting the ball to the goalkeeper’s left as Courtney Brosnan dives to the right. England are two goals up.
England 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 21:14
Mike Jones
55 mins: Penalty to England!
That’s poor. Niamh Fahey is caught on the ball by Lauren Hemp who dips into the box and looks to shoot. Fahey can’t let her and drags the England forward down knowing her foul will result in a spot kick.
It does.
England 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 21:12
Mike Jones
54 mins: Close!
Hemp holds up the ball on the edge of the box before tapping it into the path of Jess Park. Park checks to the right and spies Russo making a run into the area.
Park slots a dangerous ball in for her but, despite a lunging effort, Russo misses the ball and Brosnan can tidy up.
England 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 21:09
Mike Jones
51 mins: Oh no. Beth Mead is forced off the pitch trying to challenge for a bouncing ball. She stumbles and lands on a pitchside microphone.
At first it looks like she’s taken a knock to her knee but she gets back to her feet and is okay to play on.
England 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 21:05
Mike Jones
48 mins: Slick from England. Alessia Russo receives and turns before feeding the ball out to Lauren Hemp.
He carries it into the box then cuts a pass back to Russo. Russo can’t collect it and Ireland scramble the ball away. Decent work from England at the start of this half.
Second half! England 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 21:03
Mike Jones
Sarina Wiegman has made a couple of changes at the break for England with Niamh Charles and Millie Bight introduced in place of Jess Carter and Leah Williamson.
Ireland get the ball rolling once more.
HT England 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 20:58
Mike Jones
Elsewhere in this grou, Sakina Karchaoui has given France the lead over Sweden.
Victory for France tonight will see them qualify out of the group with one game to spare. That result would also be good news for England who would then only need to avoid defeat in Sweden on Tuesday to get through.
HT England 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 20:54
Mike Jones
England have been massively dominant in that first half. They’ve had 66.6% possession and have created eight chances with four on target.
Alessia Russo’s goal is the difference but Beth Mead has had two of three big opportunities that Courtney Brosnan has kept out.
HT England 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 20:50
Mike Jones
Half-time! England 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 20:46
Mike Jones
45+1 mins: The whistle goes to end the first half at Carrow Road.
England head down the tunnel with a slender lead. It’s a good start from the Lionesses but Sarina Wiegman will hope her team can improve on that in the next half.
As it stnads England are moving up to second in the table.
England 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 20:43
Mike Jones
43 mins: Beth Mead floats a cross into the box from the left and looks for Lauren Hemp at the back post. Her cross is nodded away by Anna Patten and Ireland’s defence close the ball down enough to force a throw in.
In tonight’s other Group A3 match, France have taken the lead against Sweden which is good news for the Lionesses.
England 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 20:41
Mike Jones
40 mins: Chance here for Ireland after they win a corner. Ruesha Littlejohn whips the set piece into the middle of the penalty area where Hannah Hampton comes out and punches the ball away.
The whistle goes for an infringement in the box and England have a free kick.
England 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 20:38
Mike Jones
36 mins: Lauren Hemp makes a fine run into the box after the slick combination of Keira Walsh and Jess Park feed the ball to her. She just can’t find the space to get off a shot and is crowded out enough to run the ball out of play.
England 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 20:33
Mike Jones
33 mins: Ireland haven’t managed to challenge England’s defence yet but they’ve done a solid job of shoring up their own under constant threat from the Lionesses.
It’s been an erratic yet effective response since going behind.
England 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 20:31
Mike Jones
30 mins: Alessia Russo is direct and strong as she turns towards the box and drives forward. She holds off a backtracking O’Sullivan before getting inside the area and laying the ball to Beth Mead.
Mead dribbles past one, two defenders before hitting a shot that is immediately blocked and hooked away.
England 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 20:28
Mike Jones
27 mins: After Stanway holds onto the ball expertly in midfield England work it out to Hemp on the right side. She drives forward and has option in the box.
But, Ireland’s defence is strong. They keep England outside the penalty area and recover the ball when a pass comes through to Courtney Brosnan.
England 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 20:25
Mike Jones
24 mins: Maya Le Tissier and Jess Carter are pushing high up the pitch on the wings for England which makes it look as though they’re only defending with the two centre-backs.
That’s something Ireland can exploit but they need to get the ball forward quicker. England are making things difficult.
England 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 20:21
Mike Jones
21 mins: Courtney Brosnan needs a bit of treatment so Eileen Gleeson uses the pause in play to issue a few new instructions. Ireland are getting overrun in the middle of the pitch.
England 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 20:17
Mike Jones
18 mins: Park brings the ball to the edge of the box and offloads it again to Mead who is unmarked. Mead shoots once again and once again Brosnan makes herself big and keeps it out.
This might be a busy night for the Irish goalkeeper.
England 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 20:15
Mike Jones
15 mins: Save!
England’s press turns the ball over once more and feed it to Hemp on the right side of the box. She nails a shot that Brosnan jumps to the right to push wide.
Russo collects it and works the ball back across to Jess Carter striding up the pitch. She takes a blazing shot as well but Brosnan is there to gather the ball.
England 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 20:14
Mike Jones
13 mins: Close!
Jess Park gets stuck into the action now. In the team at the expense of Ella Toone, Park recieves the ball and turns towards goal. She weaves her way up the pitch, does a couple of step overs then releases the ball to Beth Mead.
Mead touches it to the right then whips a shot just over the crossbar.
England 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 20:12
Mike Jones
12 mins: England have been passing the ball nicely and pressing well up the pitch. Beth Mead has started over on the left with Lauren Hemp on the right.
Mead intercepts a poor clearance but can’t capitalise from the edge of the box. Ireland are quickly back to defend and force the Lionesses to knock the ball backwards.
England 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 20:10
Mike Jones
9 mins: Georgia Stanway has started off this game in imperious form. She drives the ball forward, evades a couple of tackles and dribbles into the box.
Looking for the shot, and encouraged by the crowd, Stanway takes the ball too far and it bobbles through to Courtney Brosnan who scoops it up.
GOAL! England 1-0 Republic of Ireland (Russo, 5’)⚽️
Friday 12 July 2024 20:06
Mike Jones
5 mins: Wonderful from England.
From the back the ball comes up to Georgia Stanway who nips into the middle of the midfield. She passes it up to Beth Mead who dinks a first time pass into the box.
Alessia Russo has made the run in between the lines. She takes up the ball, moves around the goalkeeper then lifts it into the back of the net!
England 0-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 20:03
Mike Jones
3 mins: Amber Barrett tries to keep herself onside as she makes a run down the left wing. The ball gets threaded through to her but the flag goes up anyway.
Decent plan and a bright start from the Irish.
Kick off! England 0-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 20:01
Mike Jones
Georgia Stanway kicks off this European Championship qualifier and feeds the ball to Kiera Walsh. She sends it over to the right wing but England switch the play.
They lose possession in the middle of the pitch with Denise O’Sullivan sending the ball forward for Ireland.
England v Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 19:55
Mike Jones
The players make their way out onto the pitch at Carrow Road. England know they need to win this game to keep automatic promotion in their hands.
If they triumph a draw versus Sweden will be enough to send them to the tournament.
The Republic of Ireland will be tough competitiors, can England get the job done tonight? Kick off is up next...
England v Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 19:50
Mike Jones
Alessio Russo has been directly involved in five goals in her last six appearances for England (four goals, one assist) whilst she is the only Lioness to score more than once in this current European Championship qualifying campaign (two goals).
England v Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 19:45
Mike Jones
Lauren Hemp has assisted each of England’s last three goals in European Championship qualifying whilst her 19 total assists since her international debut in October 2019 is the joint-most for the Lionesses in that period (level with Beth Mead).
England v Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 19:40
Mike Jones
Sarina Wiegman has won 38 of her 51 games in charge of England and her next win will move her outright second for the most victories in the Lionesses’ history, behind only Hope Powell (85 – Mark Sampson also 38).
England v Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 19:35
Mike Jones
The Republic of Ireland remain one of just three teams yet to score in Euro 2025 qualifying along with Kosovo and Cyprus - their first shot on target in each of their previous four matches of the campaign hasn’t come until the 83rd minute or later.
Alessia Russo backs England to emulate women’s team and win Euro 2024
Friday 12 July 2024 19:30
Mike Jones
Women’s Euro 2022 winner Alessia Russo is confident Gareth Southgate’s side will get the job done in Germany.
A Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands awaits on Wednesday but it has been far from plain sailing for the men, who have been criticised for some uninspiring performances.
Russo sees similarities with the women’s run to the final of last summer’s World Cup, where they finished runners-up, but said the manner of progress did not matter.
England v Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 19:25
Mike Jones
England have opened the scoring in each of their last seven matches (W5 D1 L1), their longest such run since doing so in each of Sarina Wiegman’s first seven games in charge between September 2021 and February 2022 (W6 D1).
England v Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 19:20
Mike Jones
After winning each of their final six games of 2023, the Republic of Ireland have failed to win all six of their games in 2024, losing each of the last five (D1) – it’s their worst losing streak since June 2021 (7 in a row).
England v Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 19:15
Mike Jones
England lost 2-1 in their most recent home game against France in May, suffering just their second such loss under Sarina Wiegman (W15 D6).
They haven’t lost back-to-back matches on home soil since losing each of Phil Neville’s final three home games in charge of the Lionesses in 2019.
England v Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 19:10
Mike Jones
Since conceding in their first ever meeting with the Republic of Ireland in May 1978, England have recorded six clean sheets in a row against the Girls in Green, only ever going more consecutive games without conceding against Scotland (nine games, 1989 – 2001), Northern Ireland (eight games, 1986 – 2022) and Austria eight games, 2006-2022).
England team changes
Friday 12 July 2024 19:05
Mike Jones
Sarina Wiegman has made three changes to the England side who beat France in June. Manchester United defender Maya Le Tissier starts, replacing Lucy Bronze at right-back.
Alex Greenwood comes in for Millie Bright and Jess Park replaces Ella Toone.
England line-up
Friday 12 July 2024 19:02
Mike Jones
England XI: Hampton, Le Tissier, Carter, Walsh, Williamson, Greenwood, Mead, Stanway, Russo, Park, Hemp.
Here's how your #Lionesses line-up this evening! pic.twitter.com/JVg9DfwqUZ
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 12, 2024
Republic of Ireland XI: Brosnan, Fahey, Littlejohn, Barrett, O’Sullivan, Ziu, Patten, Mannion, Hayes, Agg, Murphy.
Wigeman on playing at Carrow Road
Friday 12 July 2024 18:54
Mike Jones
“It’s nice to play here. We’ve played here once before in the Arnold Cup against Spain and it’s nice to be back. The pitch looks really good so I’m really looking forward to [tonight] when it’s sold out and hopefully we can give everyone a very good evening.”
Ireland have ‘high expectations’
Friday 12 July 2024 18:48
Mike Jones
Manchester United defender Aoife Mannion says the Republic of Ireland have "high expectations" heading into tonight’s match but know they need to be wary of England’s threat.
"We don’t want to concede and we want to pick up a result. We are taking this game as seriously as we possibly can," said Mannion.
"England are an incredible team and are defending European champions. They got to the final of the last World Cup. That makes for an exciting match."
England v Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 18:42
Mike Jones
Republic of Ireland have conceded four or more times on all three of their previous away trips to face England with this their first such visit since April 1986, losing 4-0 at Elm Park in a European Championship qualifier.
Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman sends message to England men’s team ahead of Euro 2024 final
Friday 12 July 2024 18:36
Mike Jones
England women’s boss Sarina Wiegman suggested “it’s a good time to be English” after Gareth Southgate’s men booked a trip to the Euro 2024 final at the expense of her native Netherlands.
The Lionesses, who were successful in their quest for European glory two summers ago, gathered in Norwich ahead of their own Euro 2025 qualifier with the Republic of Ireland to watch their male counterparts in the semi-final on Wednesday night.
Asked if she has any “advice” for the men’s team ahead of the final, Wiegman said Southgate’s side know “exactly what they want to do” and urged the Three Lions to “bring it home”.
Gleeson ‘pleased’ with Ireland’s efforts so far
Friday 12 July 2024 18:30
Mike Jones
Republic of Ireland boss Eileen Gleeson says she is pleased with her team’s progress throughout qualification despite failing to win a match.
"Everybody knew how difficult the group would be when the draw was done. We knew it would bring different challenges because of the difference in world rankings," said Gleeson.
"But each game has brought some really positive performances from us. That’s what we’re trying to develop.
"We have never thought there’s nothing to lose because we’re trying to get a seeded place [in the play-off draw]. The value of goal difference is huge.
"It’s also huge for England because they are currently sitting third in the group. There is a lot to lose. We want the guaranteed seeded place."
‘We want to improve’ says Wiegman
Friday 12 July 2024 18:24
Mike Jones
Speaking about tonight’s match Sarina outlined the necessity of winning the game but she is also looking for an improved performance from her players.
"It’s another important game in our journey to qualify in this period for the Euros," said the England manager.
"We want to improve our game. All of the teams in this competition have been really challenging. We expect them to be really tough again.
"Of course, we approach every game to win, so that won’t be any different. We want to control the game a little more than we did the last time we played against them."
Contrasting fortunes
Friday 12 July 2024 18:18
Mike Jones
The Republic of Ireland will be without Arsenal defender Katie McCabe due to suspension, as well as injured San Diego Wave forward Kyra Carusa.
Those are big losses for a side looking to secure their first win in qualifying.
Meanwhile, England could welcome back Mary Earps and Niamh Charles who have both seemingly recovered from injury.
Alessia Russo adds new dimension to England in crucial win over France
Friday 12 July 2024 18:12
Mike Jones
England have had their fair share of wake-up calls as of late and they haven’t always heeded them. This time, though, they finally did what was required.
The Lionesses found their rhythm against France in Saint-Etienne and ironed out the issues which blighted them in Friday’s defeat in Newcastle. In doing so they handed a significant boost to their Euro 2025 qualification hopes.
They are joint-second in Group A3, trailing leaders France by two points with two fixtures remaining. The top two teams in the group automatically progress to next year’s tournament in Switzerland, the others have to endure play-off rounds.
England v Republic of Ireland
Friday 12 July 2024 18:06
Mike Jones
England have won all seven of their previous meetings with the Republic of Ireland by an aggregate score of 30-1, only holding a better 100 per cent record against Northern Ireland (12/12) and Austria (10/10).
England football in a ‘great place’ says Wiegman
Friday 12 July 2024 18:00
Mike Jones
Since 2021 when England’s men reached the final of Euro 2020 there hasn’t been a year where one of the nations top teams haven’t been in a major tournament final.
In 2022 England’s women reached the final and won the Women’s Euros before finishing as runners-up in the World Cup in 2023. Now Gareth Southgate’s side are back in men’s Euros final and will face Spain on Sunday evening.
Wiegman said that the fact one of England’s men’s or women’s first teams have reached a final in each of the last four summers could only be a good thing.
She said: “We all know that football worldwide is the biggest sport. In England it’s on a different level since I came in and worked here.
“It’s so deep in society and the people support so much and it’s incredible of course. I never, ever take it for granted. I think the whole country should be very proud of what, at this moment, the England men do.
“It’s not easy, that’s what we’ve seen too. It’s good to be English at the moment.”
Wiegman was torn when England beat the Netherlands
Friday 12 July 2024 17:54
Mike Jones
Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman hails from the Netherlands but has a special connection to England ever since accepting the role as head coach of the women’s national team.
Watching England’s men’s players defeat her home country in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 was a tough one for Wiegman but she wished Gareth Southgate and the team good fortune for the final on Sunday.
“You want a political answer?” she said. “No, I have to be really honest, of course I wish the very, very best for Gareth and his team and so many people, of course, because we are colleagues.
“But it did hurt [watching the Netherlands lose], a little bit. My orange heart hurt.”
Mixed feelings for Sarina Wiegman after England beat Netherlands to reach final
Friday 12 July 2024 17:48
Mike Jones
England women’s boss Sarina Wiegman conceded “it’s a good time to be English” even after Gareth Southgate’s men booked a trip to the Euro 2024 final at the expense of her native Netherlands.
The Lionesses, who were successful in their quest for European glory two summers ago, on Wednesday night gathered in Norwich ahead of their own Euro 2025 qualifier with the Republic of Ireland to watch their male counterparts’ final four meeting.
Wiegman was as diplomatic as a retired 104-cap Netherlands player could possibly be when asked how it felt to watch Ollie Watkins’ 90th-minute winner in Dortmund.
More from Hemp on playing in Norwich
Friday 12 July 2024 17:42
Mike Jones
“I had to move away when I was 16 to chase my dream,” said 23-year-old Hemp who plays for Manchester City in the Women’s Super League.
“Now it’s amazing to come back and see how many football teams there are that weren’t there when I was younger. Hopefully there will be many more little Lauren Hemps.
“Every forward loves scoring and assisting so to do that at Carrow Road would be even more special.”
Lauren Hemp on returning to Carrow Road
Friday 12 July 2024 17:36
Mike Jones
“I used to come and watch games here every other week when Norwich were on. I trained just around the corner from here. It’s really special,” The Lionesses forward told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I know this place like the back of my hand. It holds a special place in my heart and it will be great to come out here, in front of a packed out Carrow Road.
“The atmosphere from the games I’ve watched with Norwich have been incredible. I hope to see that again [on Friday].”
Sarina Wiegman on preparing for tonight’s match:
Friday 12 July 2024 17:30
Mike Jones
“It’s another very important game in our journey to qualify for the Euros. We want to improve our game too and of course Republic of Ireland have been challenging all the teams in this group so we expect them to be really tough again tomorrow. We approach every game to win. We want to play well and control the game.
“We got some good preparation in the Netherlands last week. We wanted to build some volume, get everyone back up to speed, because after some time off you have to get back in it.
“That’s what we did and of course we have to get ready for these two games now. We have been able to work on little tweaks in our game.”
Sarina Wiegman has no issue with Georgia Stanway’s late England arrival
Friday 12 July 2024 17:24
Mike Jones
England head coach Sarina Wiegman has no concerns over Bayern Munich midfielder Georgia Stanway linking up with her squad late ahead of Euro 2025 qualifiers.
The Lionesses play a behind-closed-doors friendly against Wiegman’s native Netherlands on Thursday before qualifying games against Republic of Ireland in Norwich on July 12 and away to Sweden four days later.
But Stanway is absent from England’s preparations this week because Bayern have already started pre-season training.
England v Republic of Ireland prediction
Friday 12 July 2024 17:18
Mike Jones
Having built some much needed momentum with a superb 2-1 victory away from home against France, England will now look to capitalise against an Ireland side short on form.
Expect quick tempo, high skill and plenty of shots as the Lionesses seek to rediscover the ruthlessness that took them to the European Championship final.
England 3-0 Ireland.
Early team news and predicted line-ups
Friday 12 July 2024 17:12
Mike Jones
England have lost all of Lauren James, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Kayla Rendell to injury, while Niamh Charles is managing a calf problem. Sarina Wiegman has a decision to make in goal with Mary Earps available after her hip problem but Hannah Hampton pressing hard for the starting shirt.
The Republic of Ireland are without Chloe Mustaki, Heather Payne, Tara O’Hanlon, Jamie Finn and Kyra Carusa due to injury.
Predicted line-ups
England XI: Hampton; Bronze, Bright, Williamson, Carter; Toone, Walsh, Stanway; Mead, Russo, Hemp.
Republic of Ireland XI: Brosnan; Patten, Hayes, Quinn, Mannion, McCabe; Agg, O’Sullivan, Connolly, Kiernan; Barrett.
How to watch England v Republic of Ireland?
Friday 12 July 2024 17:06
Mike Jones
The Euro 2025 qualifier is due to kick off at 8pm on Friday 12 July at Carrow Road in Norwich.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1, with coverage on the channel from 7.30pm. A live stream will be available on ITVX.
Good evening!
Friday 12 July 2024 17:00
Mike Jones
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the Lionesses Euro 2025 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.
Sarina Wiegman’s side are in a close fight to secure automatic qualification for the tournament next summer with two of England, France and Sweden going through from Group A3.
At present England are third in the table (outside the qualification spots) but will move up to at least second place if they secure all three points tonight.
Ireland are yet to win in this campaign so England are the overwhelming favourites to triumph at Carrow Road but they will know their opponents can be stubborn and difficult opponents if they play close to their best.
We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and latest updates throughout the evening so stick around as we build up to kick off at 8pm.
