England moved one step closer to qualifying for Euro 2025 with a 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland in a qualifier at Carrow Road.
Alessia Russo put the defending European champions ahead after just five minutes in front of a sellout crowd in Norwich, undeterred by the muddy weather as they celebrated the Lionesses’ return for the first time since the 2022 Arnold Clark Cup.
Georgia Stanway doubled England’s lead with a second-half penalty, but Julie-Ann Russell denied the home side a clean sheet in the fourth and final minutes of added time.
England, who need to finish in the top two of Group A3 to guarantee direct qualification for next summer’s tournament in Switzerland, face Sweden in Gothenburg on Tuesday and will book their place if they earn at least one point.
Russo’s goal put England ahead with the first clear chance of either team. It all started with a stride from Georgia Stanway and a quick touch from Beth Mead, who fed her Arsenal teammate Stanway, who slotted the ball past goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan and into the net.
Republic, without suspended captain Katie McCabe, had their first chance on goal when Amber Barrett called on Hannah Hampton for an easy save at the near post.
Brosnan was by far the more proactive keeper, smashing a Jess Park shot over the bar and then saving successive sharp efforts from Mead and Jess Carter.
The Republic side gradually gained the upper hand but the English defence was quick to prevent any penetration into their backline.
With the pace slowing, Carter created the only chance, her cross easily caught by Brosnan, who then emerged to thwart a threatening run by Hemp.
Hampton punched away Republic’s first corner kick in the 41st minute and England had a chance to double their lead just before half-time when Russo pounced on the loose ball but his shot was blocked before he could cross to the onrushing Mead.
Nine former local Lionesses players were presented with legacy caps at half-time and after a spirited opening 12 minutes of the second half, Stanway calmly sealed victory with a penalty after Niamh Fahey had brought down Norfolk-born Hemp.
Tottenham forward Jess Naz made her debut and local hero Hemp received rapturous applause when she was replaced by another debutant, Aggie Beaver-Jones, in the 88th minute.
Just when it looked as though England would be 2-0 up against Sweden, a long throw was misdefended and Russell pulled one back for the visitors.
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