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

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:

Ireland vs England LIVE

• FULL TIME: Republic of Ireland 0-2 England

• GOAL! Republic of Ireland 0-2 ENGLAND (Alex Greenwood penalty, 19 minutes)

• GOAL! Republic of Ireland 0-1 ENGLAND (Lauren James, 12 minutes)

• England captain Leah Williamson starts for first time since April 2023 following ACL injury

Sarina Wiegman speaks to ITV

21:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“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

21:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“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

21:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“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

21:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

21:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 90 + 4 minutes

21:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

21:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

21:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Four additional minutes.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 88 minutes

21:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 86 minutes

21:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 83 minutes

21:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 81 minutes

21:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 77 minutes

21:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

What a chance for Ireland...but it goes begging! McCabe stands up a delightful cross to the far post where Louise Quinn has peeled away, and a goal seems a certainty as Quinn slides a first-time ball across the six-yard area with teammates waiting. But it somehow contrives to evade them as it slithers on, Caitin Hayes getting her heel to it but nothing more. England are eventually able to smother it behind for a corner.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 76 minutes

21:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Megan Campbell’s latest launch into the box is punched away by Hannah Hampton, thrusting a fist between the bodies, but Lauren James concedes a soft free kick as Leanne Kiernan picks up the pieces 30 yards out. Too far for Katie McCabe to have a shot at goal?

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 74 minutes

21:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A bit better from England, Leah Williamson and Keira Walsh exerting their influence to settle them down. But that’s loose from Hannah Hampton, finding Leanne Kiernan with a hurried clearance and grateful to Jess Carter for helping her out.

Georgia Stanway replaces Ella Toone in England’s midfield.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 71 minutes

20:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sarina Wiegman frowns and strokes her chin, mulling her next move. England have just lost a little bit of the cohesion they played with in the first half.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 69 minutes

20:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Republic of Ireland are sticking in there. Could they get a goal and really put the cat among English pigeons? Megan Campbell’s long throws, which really are things of majesty, look like they might be a route to success.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 68 minutes

20:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

On comes Emily Murphy for Ireland, Kyra Carusa’s night over having seen little of the ball.

Ella Toone beats a couple of players before blazing over the bar from long range.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 66 minutes

20:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Top stop from Courtney Brosnan! Fran Kirby seems a certainty to score as she plants a half-volley goalwards from Beth Mead’s cushioned header, but Brosnan is firmly in the way.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 65 minutes

20:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Some intricate play from England around the edge of the box, but Ella Toone can’t quite connect with Alessia Russo. A bit of urgency in that movement, the Lionesses perhaps recognising a need to kill the game off to prevent a panicky final quarter.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 63 minutes

20:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Hannah Hampton concedes a soft throw in, allowing Campbell to launch another of her hurls. Keira Walsh turns it behind for a corner.

Katie McCabe’s cross is too deep for a teammate.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 60 minutes

20:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here comes Kiernan, and it’s a double substitution for Ireland, too. Megan Campbell replaces Lucy Quinn, with Heather Payne also taken off.

And here’s Campbell’s special weapon, the long throw. It’s a howitzer of a delivery from 35 yards out and causes England some bother, but Jess Carter just about manages to hook an improvised clearance out of danger.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 57 minutes

20:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The pair of new arrivals combine immediately to tee up Ella Toone on the edge of the area, but her shot is blocked. Ireland launch into a counter attack which, as has been the case all evening so far, runs out of puff. Might Leanne Kiernan be a better option on the break up front?

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 56 minutes

20:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A double switch for England as Sarina Wiegman turns to her rather punchy bench. On come Fran Kirby and Beth Mead, with Jess Park and Lauren Hemp relieved.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 55 minutes

20:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Hemp is again involved as England come forward with greater intent, her cut-back finding only a figure in Irish green.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 53 minutes

20:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A lovely pass from Leah Williamson is too hot for Lauren Hemp to handle, before the left winger doesn’t quite manage to keep another potential field-switching pass from one of the back four cohort in play.

The game is just at something of a lull as the two sides feel their way back in to the action with the half still young.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 50 minutes

20:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A brief worry for England as Lauren James stays down having taken a bang to the ankle from a firm, but fair, challenge from Katie McCabe. James is back on her feet soon enough.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 47 minutes

20:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sarina Wiegman has a chat with her assistants on he England bench, content with her side’s efforts so far. Immediately they constrict their hosts, forcing an errant long pass that skips out of play inside the Ireland half.

In the other game in the group tonight, Wendie Renard’s late goal earned France victory in Sweden to make it two wins from two for Herve Renard’s side.

Second half...

20:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Alessia Russo gets proceedings back underway in Dublin. Ireland have introduced Megan Connolly for Ruesha Littlejohn.

HT: Republic of Ireland 0-2 England

20:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A two-goal lead for England, and it would have been three had Alex Greenwood put her penalty another inch or two inside the post. The Republic of Ireland started promisingly enough but Lauren James’ opener sunk their spirits, before the awarding of two penalties - the first fair enough, the second rather harsh - allowed England chances to extend their lead.

Given the lack of attacking threat they’ve offered, it looks a long way back for the hosts.

HALF TIME: Republic of Ireland 0-2 England

20:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 45 minutes

20:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A rare opportunity for the home crowd to get off their feet as the hosts win a corner, which Katie McCabe hits the head of a teammate with but nothing comes from the header. And that’s your lot for the first half - a hasty sequence of blasts on the whistle and down the tunnel they all disappear.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 43 minutes

20:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jess Carter now has a brief exploration of advanced territory on the left, but Keira Walsh ends the movement with a slightly strange pass to no-one in particular, which Courtney Brosnan simply wanders across to gather.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 41 minutes

20:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lucy Bronze has another forward foray, though her finish is relatively wretched, a bit of a hack at a bouncing ball that ends up troubling only the pigeons in the rafters.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 38 minutes

20:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A crunching challenge from Leah Williamson, down firmly in a sliding tackle as Kyra Carusa attempts to spring away from her.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 36 minutes

20:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Strong work from Aoife Mannion, sticking with Lauren Hemp and eventually dispossessing her. That’s good from the right wing-back, too, sending Heather Payne haring after a cleverly weighted pass. But England, as they have been throughout, have bodies back to defuse the danger.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 33 minutes

20:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Eileen Gleeson shouts some instructions out to her Ireland side as they attempt to reset. It just feels like it is slightly too easy for England to maintain possession - it appears that Lucy Quinn is being pushed further forward to try and help the hosts press higher.

MISSED PENALTY! Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 30 minutes

20:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Off the post and away! Justice done? Alex Greenwood tugs her penalty to the other side, but strikes the inside of the upright and away it bounds.

Penalty! Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 28 minutes

20:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland are fuming but England have another spot-kick! Louise Quinn cannot believe she’s been penalised, the ball diverting off Alessia Russo and into Quinn close behind her. That looks mightily, mightily harsh, but Lina Lehtovaara was quick to the whistle.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 25 minutes

19:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

You did wonder if Ireland would struggle to back up that France performance on a relatively short turnaround. Things feel a little bit flat inside the Aviva Stadium.

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England, 21 minutes

19:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The hosts gathered themselves in a huddle before getting the game back underway, that solid start all too brief. England are just starting to win the physical challenges, too, with Leah Williamson putting herself about on her first international start in more than a year.

GOAL! Republic of Ireland 0-2 ENGLAND (Alex Greenwood penalty, 19 minutes)

19:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Alex Greenwood sends Courtney Brosnan the wrong way!

Greenwood is on duty from the spot with no Georgia Stanway in the starting England side tonight, and the centre-half makes no mistake from 12 yards.

Penalty! Republic of Ireland 0-1 England, 17 minutes

19:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lucy Bronze is charging forwards at every opportunity. She again threatens at the far post as England swing in another deep cross.

Headed away, Jess Park on the volley...and the referee points to the penalty spot! Park’s shot struck a leaping Ruesha Littlejohn on the arm, and England have a chance to double their lead.

Republic of Ireland 0-1 England, 15 minutes

19:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Republic of Ireland will take heart from how they managed to steel themselves after an early concession against France, but you’d imagine Eileen Gleeson would have loved her side to spend longer level in the contest. They’d looked solid enough defensively, too, until that James strike:

GOAL! Republic of Ireland 0-1 ENGLAND (Lauren James, 12 minutes)

19:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A loose ball in the box and Lauren James lashes it home!

A touch of fortune about the ricochet to her but that’s a calm, crisp finish from James. A long diagonal is headed back towards goal by Lucy Bronze, her angle cut off by two Irish defenders. Bronze’s header strikes the legs of the second of them, Anna Patten, and spins nicely into the path of England’s number seven, who cuts across her finish to beat Courtney Brosnan down to the goalkeeper’s right. The Lionesses lead in Dublin.

Republic of Ireland 0-0 England, 10 minutes

19:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lucy Bronze hits the deck as she tries to combine with a teammate on the right, her appeals waved away and the Rpeublic of Ireland launching into a counter-attack. But the support is lacking, allowing Bronze and England to regather.

Republic of Ireland 0-0 England, 7 minutes

19:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A first touch for Lauren James, and the Chelsea winger is immediately harrassed by Katie McCabe, as you imagine will be the plan for most of the night, with McCabe dropping back to help out defensively. It looks like a back five again for Ireland.

James does get some space beyond Anna Patten, but her floated cross hasn’t the pace on it for Alessia Russo to really direct goalwards. A tame header is the game’s first shot on target.

Republic of Ireland 0-0 England, 5 minutes

19:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There’s good intensity about the Republic of Ireland so far, getting up after England’s back five to try and win the ball back high up the pitch. But England cut them open with a long ball threaded down the right side of the Irish defence, Lauren Hemp latching on and winning Engalnd’s first corner. Katie McCabe powerfully heads it away at the front post.

Republic of Ireland 0-0 England, 3 minutes

19:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But it is Ireland who have the first attack in earnest, Kyra Carusa earning a corner from Jess Carter having attempted to cross.

Huge cheers for Katie McCabe as she trots across to take. The home captain swings it in from the right with her left foot, but Hannah Hampton stands tall to claim on the edge of her six-yard box.

Republic of Ireland 0-0 England, 1 minute

19:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The hosts go direct immediately, an angled ball forward contested for by Leah Williamson and Kyra Carusa, both women falling to the floor but the ball bobbling England’s way. The Lionesses settle into possession for the first time and bid to mount an attack.

KICK OFF!

19:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Kyra Carusa gets things underway in Dublin.

Republic of Ireland vs England

19:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here we go then, the Republic of Ireland in green, England in white, a darkening blue sky overhead.

Republic of Ireland vs England

19:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s nearly 40 years since these two last met, an improbable gap between fixtures. Can Ireland cause a shock? Out the players come in their anthem jackets on a relatively chilly evening in Dublin.

Republic of Ireland vs England

19:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There will be no goalline technology or VAR in operation tonight. The experienced Lina Lehtovaara of Finland, who was part of the officiating team at last year’s World Cup, is the referee.

Sarina Wiegman speaks to ITV ahead of kick off

19:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“It’s not down to an injury,” Wiegman confirms of Hannah Hampton’s selection ahead of Mary Earps. “We are in a luxury position of having two incredible goalkeepers. Hannah is doing a great job with Chelsea and has grown into a competition with Mary. This is a moment for her to shine.

“It’s really good to have Leah back as a leader, it’s great for her and the team. Hopefully she will enjoy.

“We think Ireland will drop deeper and the spaces will be small. Jess Park is good in tight space and we’ll play a lot higher with our midfield. It’s a good opportunity for them.”

Leah Williamson is back in England colours

19:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A significant moment for the England captain as she makes a long-awaited return to the Lionesses starting side.

Kyra Carusa looks to get after England defence

18:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It was a relatively lonely night for Kyra Carusa in Metz last week, the striker an isolated figure leading the line for Ireland against France. Now playing in the NWSL with her hometown San Diego Wave after a short stint with the London City Lionesses last year, Carusa has the ability to cause England real problems, and should have more support with a slightly tweaked Irish system behind her.

Big chance for Hannah Hampton

18:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There are plenty within the game that think it may not be too long before Hananh Hampton unseats Mary Earps as England’s number one, which would have been close to unthinkable after last summer’s World Cup. But Hampton’s outstanding Women’s Super League form for Chelsea is proving tougher and tougher to ignore, and she’s got youth on her side. Can she take her opportunity tonight?

Ireland to wear black armbands

18:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There will be a moment of silence ahead of kick off tonight in the memory of the wife of Republic of Ireland assistant coach Colin Healy, who recently passed away. The hosts will be wearing black armbands.

Ireland’s plan for England will be another test of Sarina Wiegman’s midfield puzzle

18:35 , Jamie Braidwood

The Sweden manager Peter Gerhardsson was evidently pleased with himself. At the end of a frustrating night for the Lionesses at Wembley on Friday, Gerhardsson revealed how his side had managed to disrupt England’s midfield fulcrum Keira Walsh, leading to a sloppy performance in possession from the European champions. A few moments later, Sarina Wiegman dismissed the notion that Sweden and Gerhardsson had found the magic formula. Of course the visitors had a plan to stop Walsh, Wiegman replied. England have come to expect it every game.

There will be no surprises, then, as the Lionesses pick themselves up and travel to Dublin for their first fixture against the Republic of Ireland since 1987. A historic occasion awaits the hosts ahead of just their second match at the Aviva, with over 30,000 tickets sold for the Euro 2025 qualifier. England know what is coming: “Compact, physical, disciplined, good on the counterattack,” Wiegman explained. Or, in other words, exactly what the Lionesses struggled against when they were held by Sweden.

Ireland’s plan for England will be another test of Sarina Wiegman’s midfield puzzle

Team news - Ireland

18:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A couple of changes for Ireland from the defeat to France, with Lucy Quinn brought in to add extra attacking threat and Ruesha Littlejohn also promoted to the starting side.

Ireland XI: Brosnan; Payne, Hayes, Quinn, Patten, Mannion; Quinn, Littlejohn, O’Sullivan, McCabe (c); Carusa.

Team news - England

18:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Hannah Hampton gets an opportunity in goal for England as Leah Williamson makes her first start since returning from her ACL tear.

England XI: Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Greenwood, Carter; Walsh, Toone, Park; James, Russo, Hemp.

England search for greater attacking threat

18:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Alessia Russo admitted after England’s draw with Sweden that the Lionesses needed to demand more from themselves, with Wembley slightly flatter than usual as the hosts failed to move through the gears. While Sarina Wiegman’s side had plenty of possession, clear chances were hard to come by, while the visitors’ focus on Keira Walsh seemed to work in preventing England from finding their flow. Will they be better in Dublin tonight?

Can Ireland frustrate England?

18:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The expectation is that Ireland will persist with the strategy that caused France such frustration last week, getting players behind the ball and trying to hold firm. While Eileen Gleeson’s side conceded after just six minutes in Metz, they were resolute thereafter despite allowing 21 shots.

Republic of Ireland return to Aviva Stadium

17:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

We’re expecting a strong crowd at the beautifully designed Aviva Stadium this evening, with a record attendance a possibility in Dublin. “I am so happy that the game is at this stadium,” Leah Williamson said yesterday. “This many people coming to watch women’s football is a huge credit to what Ireland have done over the last couple of years as well. We must enjoy that.”

Wins for Wales and Northern Ireland in qualifying action

17:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s a busy day of qualifying action with Scotland joining our combatants in kicking off a little later, but Wales and Northern Ireland have each already secured success this afternoon. Jess Fishlock, winning her 150th international cap, helped put Wales in control with two first-half assists against Kosovo as Rhian Wilkinson’s side cruised to a 6-0 win, while Northern Ireland emerged 3-1 victors against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Zenica.

Euro 2025 hosts Switzerland accused of ‘scandalous’ funding cut to jeopardise growth of women’s football

17:15 , Jamie Braidwood

The Swiss government has been warned it risks stalling the growing momentum of women’s football in Europe following the “scandalous” decision to cut its funding for Euro 2025.

In 2008, Switzerland was supported in its joint-hosting of the men’s European Championships with a package of £71m (82m Swiss Francs) from its Federal Council, but the amount allocated for next summer’s women’s tournament has been dramatically reduced to just £3.5m (4m Swiss Francs).

The staging of Euro 2025 in Switzerland follows the record-breaking Euro 2022 in England, where the Lionesses defeated Germany in the final in front of a sold-out Wembley at the end of a four-week tournament that smashed several attendance records.

Euro 2022 was a huge success for Uefa and proved to be a landmark moment for women’s football in Europe, with the total attendance of 574,875 more than doubling the previous record, set in the Netherlands in 2017.

Euro 2025 hosts Switzerland accused of ‘scandalous’ funding cut

How does Euro 2025 qualifying work? League format and play-off rounds explained

16:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Lionesses defeated Germany to win Euro 2022 in front of a sold-out Wembley and will be looking to reach another major tournament showpiece following their run to the Women’s World Cup final last year.

But changes to the European Qualifiers format means Sarina Wiegman’s side face a challenge to reach the Euro 2025 finals, at least in comparison to their run of one-sided victories in qualifying for the last World Cup.

Defending champions England face Sweden, France and the Republic of Ireland in Group A3 of the Euro 2025 qualifiers - a group that features three of the four semi-finalists from the last Euros and three of the top five teams in the world. Here’s how the Euro 2025 qualifying works:

How does Euro 2025 qualifying work? League format and play-off rounds explained

Ireland hope to build on encouraging France performance

16:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland launched their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to France in Metz on Friday evening courtesy of Paris St Germain striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto’s sixth-minute goal, which came after Michelle Lakrar had turned Kenza Dali’s free-kick back across goal.

The hosts dominated for long periods, but Eileen Gleeson’s side passed up a late chance to level in a game played just a day after the death of assistant coach Colin Healy’s wife Kelly.

McCabe said: “Some shift wasn’t it? For us, we knew it was always going to be a difficult task.

“The moment we conceded on the set-piece was very disappointing because normally we’re very good and we’re really strong at that, so that’s obviously something we’re going to be looking at to tidy up.

“We gave it our best, obviously - which we always do when we represent Ireland. All we can do now is take the positives from the game and look to build into England now.”

The Lionesses also endured a disappointing start to their campaign when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Sweden at Wembley with Fridolina Rolfo cancelling out Alessia Russo’s opener.

However, they have won all seven of their previous meetings with the Republic, the last of them a 1-0 friendly victory at Dalymount Park in March 1987.

Glasgow City striker Emily Whelan has been added to the Ireland squad after West Ham’s Jess Ziu was forced to withdraw with a hamstring injury.

Katie McCabe warns England to take nothing for granted

16:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Republic of Ireland skipper Katie McCabe has warned reigning champions England to take nothing for granted as the sides prepare for a Euro 2025 qualifier battle.

Ireland host Sarina Wiegman’s team at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Tuesday evening, hoping to build upon a committed, if ultimately fruitless, display in their Group A3 opener against France on Friday.

The Girls in Green sit in 25th place in FIFA’s world rankings with England second, although Arsenal’s McCabe insisted belief was high ahead of an eagerly-anticipated clash for which more than 30,000 tickets have been sold.

The versatile winger told a press conference: “We’re realistic, but in terms of our belief, we always believe we can go and beat anyone on our day.

“We’ve got the quality, we’ve got a world-class goalkeeper (Everton’s Courtney Brosnan), how we set up, the art of defending at times, we’ve shown our quality in how we can attack in previous games throughout the Nations League.

“So it’s about finding the balance and for us against these big teams, these big nations.

“There are only a couple of moments at this level as well, so we just need to make sure we’re on it tomorrow and decisive in those moments.”

Steph Houghton: The ‘icon’ of the game leaves women’s football in a much better place

16:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Leah Williamson succeeded Steph Houghton as England captain, of course, following in the footsteps of her fellow centre-half and taking the Lionesses to new heights. But, as Sonia Twigg explained after her recent retirement announcement, it is worth remembering how influential a figure Houghton was in the growth of the side.

Steph Houghton: The ‘icon’ of the game leaves women’s football in a much better place

15:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sarina Wiegman has confirmed that Leah Williamson will start for England in their European Championship qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.

The Arsenal defender is set to make her Lionesses comeback after nearly a year out following an ACL injury.

Williamson made the bench for England’s 1-1 draw against Sweden in Group A3 on Friday, but Wiegman said she would be starting against Ireland.

Tonight’s game will be Williamson’s first for the Lionesses since a friendly against Australia last April and Wiegman highlighted the 27-year-old’s strengths.

“We’ve had hard choices to make in the team because I think the competitiveness is really high and we have many options in different positions,” she said.

“I think what Leah brings us is vision, in possession she’s just very bright and finds the right pass.

“The flexibility, the defence, being able to defend the space behind her together with everyone else, because defending doesn’t just start with one player, it starts with the team, and I hope Leah will bring that to the team tomorrow.”

Sarina Wiegman gives verdict on England’s ‘disappointing’ draw with Sweden

15:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England boss Sarina Wiegman conceded she was “disappointed” after her defending champions could only manage a 1-1 draw with Sweden to kick off their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign at Wembley.

Alessia Russo nodded home Lauren James’ delivery to open the scoring in the 24th minute, but it was the visitors who looked likelier to score as half-time approached.

The Lionesses preserved their lead until the 64th minute, when England’s concentration switched off and allowed Fridolina Rolfo to drift in and nod substitute Rosa Kafaji’s delivery past Mary Earps.

Wiegman said: “I think this group is really tough. Of course I’m disappointed, because we always want to win.”

Sarina Wiegman gives verdict on England’s ‘disappointing’ draw with Sweden

Ireland’s plan for England will be another test of Sarina Wiegman’s midfield puzzle

15:25 , Jamie Braidwood

The Sweden manager Peter Gerhardsson was evidently pleased with himself. At the end of a frustrating night for the Lionesses at Wembley on Friday, Gerhardsson revealed how his side had managed to disrupt England’s midfield fulcrum Keira Walsh, leading to a sloppy performance in possession from the European champions. A few moments later, Sarina Wiegman dismissed the notion that Sweden and Gerhardsson had found the magic formula. Of course the visitors had a plan to stop Walsh, Wiegman replied. England have come to expect it every game.

There will be no surprises, then, as the Lionesses pick themselves up and travel to Dublin for their first fixture against the Republic of Ireland since 1987. A historic occasion awaits the hosts ahead of just their second match at the Aviva, with over 30,000 tickets sold for the Euro 2025 qualifier. England know what is coming: “Compact, physical, disciplined, good on the counterattack,” Wiegman explained. Or, in other words, exactly what the Lionesses struggled against when they were held by Sweden.

Ireland’s plan for England will be another test of Sarina Wiegman’s midfield puzzle

Republic of Ireland vs England betting tips: Women's Euro 2025 qualifying odds and free bets

15:05 , Jamie Braidwood

England are already on the ropes as they battle to qualify for Euro 2025 after a drab 1-1 home draw against Sweden last week piled the pressure on Tuesday’s showdown with Republic of Ireland (7.30pm, ITV1).

England were tepid against the Swedes and could easily have lost the game at Wembley. That would have been a major blow to their aspirations of automatically qualifying out of a group also consisting of France and Ireland.

England are 1/4 favourites with football betting sites to beat Ireland on Tuesday, with the hosts as big as 16/1.

Republic of Ireland vs England betting tips: Women's Euro 2025 qualifying odds and free bets

Ireland vs England predicted line-ups

15:04 , Jamie Braidwood

Predicted line-ups

Ireland XI: Brosnan; Payne, Hayes, Quinn, Patten, Mannion; Murphy, Connolly, McCabe; Carusa

England XI: Earps; Bronze, Williamson, Greenwood, Charles; Walsh, Stanway; Mead, James, Hemp; Russo

What is the team news?

15:03 , Jamie Braidwood

Ireland will be without Jess Ziu, who has left the squad with a hamstring injury, and she was replaced by Emily Whelan.

Leah Williamson did not come on against Sweden, despite being in the squad, but could be fit enough to start after being included in the squad for the first time since her ACL rupture that ruled her out of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

How can I watch Ireland vs England?

15:01 , Jamie Braidwood

When is it?

Republic of Ireland vs England will kick off at 7.30 pm BST (7.30 pm IST) at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday 9 April 2024.

How can I watch it?

The game will be shown live in the UK on ITV 1, with coverage starting from 7 pm, the match can also be streamed live via the ITVX website and app.

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.

Welcome

15:00 , Jamie Braidwood

England take on Republic of Ireland in the second of their 2025 Women’s European Championships qualifiers.

The Lionesses are the defending champions, but the start of their defence got off to a slightly disappointing start when they were held to a 1-1 draw by a well-organised Sweden side at Wembley.

England have arguably been drawn in the qualifying ‘group of death’ with the Republic of Ireland and France in addition to Sweden.

In front of over 60,000 fans at the national stadium, Alessia Russo’s header was cancelled out by Fridolina Rolfo’s effort, as England fell short of the mark, a rare occasion under Sarina Wiegman.

Here’s everything you need to know about the match

Is Ireland vs England on TV? How to watch Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier