England 2-1 Ireland
It was a frustrating night for Ireland at Carrow Road, as England made it five defeats from five in the EURO 2025 qualifiers for Eileen Gleeson's side.
The hosts were ahead early on in Norwich, as Alessia Russo rounded Courtney Brosnan to score her 20th international goal.
In truth, the early stages were tough to watch for Ireland fans, as England piled on the pressure and created a plethora of chances. However, Gleeson's side impressively steadied and grew into the game in the latter stages of the first-half.
That was why it was all the more frustrating when a needless penalty put the hosts 2-0 up and effectively killed the game with over half an hour still to play. By the time Julie-Ann Russell hit the net in the 94th minute, it was too late.
There was a lot to like about the intensity of Ireland's performance. However, this game perhaps summed up more than any other game the gap between them and the e established big hitters in their group, as England simply got the job done.
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Ireland WNT player ratings v England
Courtney Brosnan - 6.5
Without the interventions of Brosnan, Ireland could have been 3-0 down in the opening 20 minutes, as she made a string of impressive stages.
She was confident with the ball at her feet - perhaps a bit too confident at points, as she was nearly caught out in possession on more than one occasion after the break.
A mix-up with Niamh Fahey led to England's decisive second goal.
57' - GOAL ENGLAND
🏴2-0🇮🇪
Stanway coolly slots home the penalty after Fahey pulled back Hemp #RTESport
📱Updates: https://t.co/jFJfThrIBg
📺Watch: https://t.co/b2OI4OoWVJ pic.twitter.com/n4PYcRLvKd— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) July 12, 2024
Aoife Mannion - 5
Progressive with the ball at her feet for the most part and found herself in the right place to hack the ball clear on several occasions.
Caitlin Hayes - 5
A very up-and-down performance. Hayes was indecisive in tight situations and brought some pressure on the back four with her box defending.
However, she did well to push up on Hemp and force the Manchester City star away from the box. Middle of the road.
Niamh Fahey - 4
A poor night for the veteran defender, who was sloppy in possession early on before slowly growing into the game with the rest of her teammates.
However, another poor moment in possession would lead to England's second goal. She inexplicably dawdled on the ball while shepherding it back to an out-of-position Brosnan and was lucky not to be sent off when conceding a penalty for a blatant pull on Hemp.
Anna Patten - 4.5
Could possibly have tracked the run of Russo a touch better for England's opening goal.
Performance improved when she moved to the right in the first-half, and she did okay in tracking and covering across the back three after the break.
5' - GOAL ENGLAND
🏴1-0🇮🇪
Russo rounds Brosnan and strokes the ball home - the hosts have an early lead at Carrow Road #RTESport
📱Updates: https://t.co/jFJfThrIBg
📺Watch: https://t.co/b2OI4OoWVJ pic.twitter.com/EJ0V7qirLw— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) July 12, 2024
Jess Ziu - 5
Persistent in running up and down the flank but struggled to progress the ball. Did not make as much of an impact on Ireland's play as she did in the Swedish doubleheader.
Lily Agg - 6
Industrious running and did well to hold possession under pressure on a number of occasions. Like many in the Ireland team, however, she struggled to move the ball forward.
Ruesha Littlejohn - 5
Gave away the first foul of the night which perhaps best summed up the industrious and determined approach she took to the physical battle in midfield.
Denise O'Sullivan - 7
The best outfield Irish player by a significant distance. After missing the Sweden games, O'Sullivan made her presence felt with some outstanding play in attack.
Industrious in defence, she almost always had her head up when in possession, and Ireland clicked far more going forward thanks largely to her play. Good to have Denise back.
Emily Murphy - 5
Once again looked somewhat lost in the game plan, though she did well to get in behind on a few occasions in the first half. Brought off at half time.
Amber Barrett - 5
Energetic as always but struggled to find time on the ball. Did well to force a nervy moment from England goalie Hampton in the first half.
Withdrawn at the break.
Substitutes
Julie-Ann Russell (for Murphy) - 6
Brilliant to see her back in an Ireland jersey for the first time in four years. She brought a new dynamic to Ireland's attack, and did really well to finish for Ireland's first goal of 2024 in injury-time. The feel-good element of the night came from Russell.
That goal could yet prove crucial in the battle for a seeded place in the play-offs.
Leanne Kiernan (for Barrett) - 5.5
Asked questions of the England defence and brought the pace that Ireland's attack was lacking early on. Once again, however, the end product was lacking.
Megan Campbell (for Littlejohn) - 5
The long throws threatened as always, and there was the odd threatening delivery into the box. Had minimal impact in general play.
Louise Quinn (for Fahey) - n/a
Not on long enough to rate.
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