Lionesses earn their first win of EURO qualifying in Dublin | OneFootball

England have recorded their first victory of UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 qualifying after battling out a 2-0 win against the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin this evening.

Lauren James and Alex Greenwood were on target for The Lionesses as they continued their quest to defend their European title.

England head coach Sarina Wiegman made five changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Sweden at Wembley on Friday. One noticeable inclusion was captain Leah Williamson, who returned to the team for the first time since rupturing her Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) a year ago.

The opening stages of the game saw both sides create danger in front of the opposition goal. The Republic of Ireland tested England keeper Hannah Hampton from a corner while The Lionesses’ first chance came via a header from Alessia Russo.

In the 12th minute, James opened the scoring after a Lucy Bronze header deflected off Anna Patten and into her path. The Chelsea forward had the space to fire the loose ball into the bottom corner of the net.

Ruesha Littlejohn then committed a handball in the box and the visitors were able to double their advantage with 18 minutes on the clock. Greenwood converted from the penalty spot, keeping her cool despite the boos around the stadium.

On the half-hour, Greenwood then had another opportunity to score when England were awarded a second penalty following a handball from Louise Quinn. However, she failed to capitalise as her shot hit the post.

England bossed the possession and chances in the first half but the Republic of Ireland imposed themselves more in the second period with substitute Megan Campbell’s long throws being a feature of their game. One of the full-back’s throw-ins forced Keira Walsh to head the ball over her own bar.

It was a somewhat shaky end to the game for England with the hosts gaining more and more attacking control. Hampton got lucky when Leanne Kiernan charged her down before Katie McCabe’s free-kick caused problems. Hampton remained busy with Caitlin Hayes testing the keeper from a corner kick.

In the end, the two early goals in the first half were enough to secure England their first win of this qualifying campaign, leaving them ranked second in their group with only France taking maximum points so far.

England take on France in their next qualifier at St James’ Park in Newcastle on 31 May 2024. The Republic of Ireland are set to play host to Sweden on the same day.