Ireland vs England LIVE: Lionesses result and reaction from Euro 2025 qualifier in Dublin

“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.”

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.

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!

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.

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.

What has happened there? Nearly a horrible moment for Hannah Hampton, kicking the ball into Katie McCabe and expecting the referee to blow for a free kick. When she doesn’t, a mad scramble back to her line is required to preserve her clean sheet.

Kept out by Hannah Hampton! Ireland are right in this all of a sudden. Caitlin Hayes attacks a set piece superbly and directs her header downwards, forcing Hampton into a sharp save at her far post.

Caitlin Hayes flies out to try and win a header, but her failure to do so leaves Ireland exposed. Fran Kirby curves her pass for Beth Mead to pursue, but there’s too much on it and Courtney Brosnan, whose starting position has been excellent all night, is to it first.