England took a significant step towards securing a spot at Euro 2025 with a 2-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland in their Carrow Road qualifier.
Alessia Russo fired the defending European champions into the lead after just five minutes, thrilling a sold-out crowd in Norwich. Despite the soggy conditions, the fans were ecstatic to welcome the Lionesses back for the first time since the 2022 Arnold Clark Cup.
Georgia Stanway doubled England’s advantage with a second-half penalty, but Julie-Ann Russell denied the hosts a clean sheet with a late goal in the fourth and final minute of added time.
The victory puts England in a strong position to qualify for the tournament in Switzerland. They need to finish in the top two of Group A3 to secure their spot and can guarantee their place with at least a point against Sweden in Gothenburg on Tuesday.
Russo’s early goal came from England’s first clear-cut chance. The move started with Georgia Stanway’s drive forward and a quick touch from Beth Mead, who set up her Arsenal teammate brilliantly. Russo rounded keeper Courtney Brosnan to fire home.
The Republic of Ireland, missing suspended skipper Katie McCabe, got their first sight of goal as Amber Barrett forced Hannah Hampton into a simple save at her near post. Though the visitors began to find their footing, England’s back line ensured any incursions into their final third were swiftly dealt with.
Jess Carter provided the only half-chance as the pace slowed, her cross easily claimed by Brosnan, who later emerged to break up Lauren Hemp’s threatening run.
Hampton punched away the Republic’s first corner in the 41st minute, and England had a chance to double their lead just before half-time when Russo pounced on a loose ball. However, she was cut off before she could cross to the onrushing Mead.
During the halftime break, nine former Lionesses from the local area were honored with legacy caps, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Twelve minutes into the second half, Stanway coolly converted from the penalty spot after Niamh Fahey hauled down Norfolk native Hemp.
Just as England seemed poised to head to Sweden with a 2-0 victory, they failed to defend a long throw, allowing Russell to claw one back for the visitors in the dying moments of the match.
