England’s hopes of computerized qualification for Euro 2025 have been saved alive by a rousing 2-1 win over Eire at a soggy Carrow Highway.
Sarina Wiegman, who bemoaned “sloppy moments” post-match, could have been comfortable along with her facet’s blistering begin, scoring inside 5 minutes as a Beth Mead flick-on discovered Alessia Russo, and she or he rounded Courtney Brosnan neatly.
However that effectivity was not symptomatic of England on the entire.
The hosts struggled for fluency towards an Irish facet who’re but to win a degree of their respective qualifying marketing campaign. Jess Park probed, Russo harried, however nothing was coming off as makes an attempt on objective wracked up – 16 in complete.
Wiegman seemed to her bench for an injection of inspiration – introducing Millie Brilliant and Niamh Charles at half-time – however truly discovered it by way of the misfortune of Eire defender Niamh Fahey.
Lauren Hemp compelled Fahey right into a fateful mistake inside her personal field, permitting Georgia Stanway the prospect to ease stress from the penalty spot. She did simply that, sending Brosnan the flawed approach, earlier than Julie-Ann Russell scored a stoppage-time comfort for Eire.
England solely have to keep away from defeat towards Sweden in Gothenburg on Tuesday to ensure a spot at subsequent summer time’s finals in Switzerland – and the prospect to defend their European crown.
Alessia Russo celebrates with Lauren Hemp
Wiegman pissed off by sloppiness
England supervisor Sarina Wiegman: “Happy with the result. We started really well and scored an incredible goal. The best goals are those that involve many players, so that was pleasing.
“After that, we created quite a lot of probabilities however ought to have performed extra within the pockets and in behind. We have been sloppy in moments too. We saved the ball, however they have been urgent.
“We hoped to score more goals, and of course I was very frustrated with their goal in the last minute.
“Sweden on Tuesday can be a very totally different recreation – they play a unique system. What we wish to do is, after all, be on the finals. Sweden should win, and we’ll be prepared for that. We at all times know what we wish to do every recreation.”
What’s subsequent?
The Lionesses finish their qualifying marketing campaign by going through Sweden in Gothenburg on July 16. With a win or a draw, England will safe computerized qualification for Euro 2025.
Key Euro 2025 qualifying dates
July 16: Sweden vs England, Gamla Ullevi, kick-off 6pm
Play-off draw: July 19
Play-off spherical one (two legs): October 23-29
Play-off spherical two (two legs): November 27-December 3
Euro 2025 finals draw: December 16
Euro 2025 finals: July 2-27 2025 – Switzerland
