Republic of Ireland 0-2 England: Lionesses first win in Euro 2025 qualifying

England made a strong showing against the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, securing their first win in Euro 2025 qualifying.

Defender Alex Greenwood's penalty made it 2-0, but he missed his second spot-kick just before half-time.

The Republic of Ireland are bottom of the group with two losses. England are two points behind leaders France.

The top two teams will automatically qualify for next summer's tournament in Switzerland, while the remaining two countries will be eliminated from the playoffs.

England got off to a shaky start in defending their European title, but Draw 1-1 with Sweden He struggled on Friday but showed improvement in Dublin.

Captain Leah Williamson returned for the first time in a year and brought poise and intensity to her play from the back, while midfielder Kyra Walsh had an outstanding performance.

It was Walsh's pass that hit Bronze at the back post and her cut-back met James gently, but Jess Park's shot was blocked by the outstretched arm of Lucia Littlejohn and Greenwood converted the first penalty. succeeded in stealing.

Louise Quinn was penalized for another handball soon after, but Greenwood only hit the post.

Sarina Wiegman's side had a good first half and then, despite defender Caitlin Hayes having two great chances, the Republic of Ireland were unable to find a response.

Walsh impressed by Williamson's return

England were under pressure to perform after a lackluster performance at Wembley five days earlier, but Wiegman did not hesitate to make five changes to his starting XI, including the long-awaited return of Williamson. .

Among them was Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who replaced Mary Earps, who missed her last game under Wiegman in September 2022. England beat Luxembourg 10-0 in the World Cup qualifiers.

Hampton had relatively little to do until the second half when the Republic of Ireland increased their pressure and forced Hayes to score twice. The centre-back missed a golden chance from a few yards out after being teed up by his defensive partner Quinn, but he headed home. This was saved by Hampton at the back post.

The England goalkeeper had some nervous moments in the closing stages when a clearance was blocked by Katie McCabe, but he recovered to make the save.

The Republic of Ireland's chance came after England's Fran Kirby was denied by Courtney Brosnan, but the Everton goalkeeper did well to block his volley from close range.

It wasn't a satisfying performance for the European champions, who are still far from their best, but they showed enough performance to win, so it could be a catalyst for gaining momentum in a tough qualifying group.

Sweden managed to find a way to “keep Walsh at bay” in Friday's disappointing draw, but the Barcelona midfielder was heavily involved against Dublin, which is always a good sign for England.

They next face France in May, with Hervé Renard's side maintaining their lead at the top of the table with a 1-0 win over Sweden earlier on Tuesday.

The Republic of Ireland face the challenge of regaining their place in the table and next host Sweden in May.