Ireland vs England LIVE: Lionesses result and reaction from Euro 2025 qualifier in Dublin
Republic of Ireland 0-2 England: Goals from Lauren James and Alex Greenwood got the Lionesses back to winning ways
England overcame a gusty performance from the Republic of Ireland to secure their first win in qualifying for the 2025 Women’s Euros.
First half goals from Lauren James, firing home a bouncing ball, and Alex Greenwood, who converted from the penalty spot, proved enough for the Lionesses in Dublin. Greenwood, deputising from 12 yards with Georgia Stanway on the bench, struck the post with a second penalty shortly after scoring as England threatened to turn the encounter into a rout.
But Ireland rallied after the interval and threatened to launch a comeback in front of a strong home crowd at the Aviva Stadium, producing a flurry of late chances. The hosts lacked, however, the quality to consistently test Hannah Hampton in the England goal, with Eileen Gleeson’s side suffering a second consecutive defeat after a similarly battling performance against France last week.
France top a tough group after beating Sweden in their second fixture, but England and Wiegman will be encouraged by an improved performance after a flat opener at Wembley.
The Lionesses were able to welcome back skipper Leah Williamson, who made her first start in more than a year. The 27-year-old had not featured for the Lionesses since suffering an ACL injury in April 2023, which forced her to miss last summer’s World Cup, but produced a typically commanding and calm performance alongside Greenwood.
Relive all the action from Euro 2025 qualifying below, plus get the latest odds and tips here:
England back on track in Euro 2025 qualifying with win over Republic of Ireland
England secured a first Euro 2025 qualifying win as they defeated the Republic of Ireland 2-0 at the Aviva Stadium.
Four days on from being held 1-1 by Sweden at Wembley in their Group A3 opener, Sarina Wiegman’s reigning European champions went in front via Lauren James’ 12th-minute finish.
They were then awarded two penalties for handball, with defender Alex Greenwood converting the first in the 18th minute before sending the second against a post in the 30th.
After the break, England substitute Fran Kirby was thwarted by a fine Courtney Brosnan save, and Hannah Hampton – selected over Mary Earps in the Lionesses goal – then parried Caitlin Hayes’ header as the Republic applied late pressure in front of a crowd of 32,742.
Wiegman’s side sit second in the pool behind France, who have six points after beating Sweden 1-0, while Eileen Gleeson’s Ireland remain without a point, having lost 1-0 to the French in their first game last Friday.
England back on track in Euro 2025 qualifying with win over Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland 0-2 England: Lauren James opened the scoring before Alex Greenwood netted one penalty as the visitors beat a gutsy home side
Sarina Wiegman speaks to ITV
“Hard game, we totally dominated the first half, we could have been up 4-0. But later on in the game, they were more opportune than in the first half. They came to fight and we wanted to stay out of the fight. We had to show lots more than being really tight in possession.
“This game was totally different to Sweden. I think in the first half we had moments where we played really well, but sometimes we were a bit too loose on the ball, They got a bit of momentum because of their subs. In the end, we just kept them there. I just hope we can manage the game a little better.”
And Ireland captain Katie McCabe also has a chat with the broadcaster
“The first half it felt like we were too passive at times, we gave them a lot of space in central areas,” McCabe says to ITV. “We tweaked a few things and needed to push on. I’m proud of how we applied ourselves in the second half.
“I haven’t seen the penno back but it’s frustrating. They are avoidable goals. But we created a few chances towards the end - unfortunately they didn’t go in.
“We’ll be looking and reviewing post-game. Going forwards, especially in transitions, we need to be better on the ball and more dangerous. There’s four games left and we know we’ve got quality and strengths. We saw that towards the end of the second half, but England showed their experience. We won’t be dropping our heads.”
Leah Williamson reacts to England’s win on ITV
“The most important thing was three points. We would have liked it to have been a bit more convincing but it was a good finish to hold out. I just really, really love playing for England. When I put this badge on, I feel ten times taller. I loved every second of that.
“I had my eyes set on this. I wanted to be good enough to play for England again - the standards are so high and the players who have been here have made them higher. Hopefully I’ll keep getting stronger.
“It says a lot about our standards that we thought Sweden was a set-back. I’m very, very happy with the three points.”
FT: Republic of Ireland 0-2 England
Another really gutsy performance from the Republic of Ireland, recovering well from a first half wobble to really threaten after the interval. But the hosts just lacked that quality in the final third to really give England a scare, with Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses picking up their first win of this qualifying campaign thanks to first half goals from Lauren James and Alex Greenwood.
FULL TIME! Republic of Ireland 0-2 England
Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 90 + 4 minutes
Ireland load bodies into the box but Louise Quinn can’t make anything of a header from 15 yards or so. That’ll be that!
Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 90 + 2 minutes
A booking for Katie McCabe in stoppage time with the Ireland captain still giving it her all at the last.
Chloe Kelly throws in a hopeful cross, which takes a flick off a defender and is thus comfortable for Courtney Brosnan to collect.
Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 90 minutes
Four additional minutes.
Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 88 minutes
Two final England changes, and more evidence of their enviable depth as Chloe Kelly and Rachel Daly are introduced. Alessia Russo and Lauren James take leave with Sarina Wiegman looking slightly nervous.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies