Ireland 0-2 England: Goals from Lauren James and Alex Greenwood guarantee Lionesses first Euro 2025 qualifying win

Match report when Lauren James scored inside 12 minutes on Anna Patten; Alex Greenwood added another from the penalty spot after Ruesha Littlejohn's handball; Greenwood missed another penalty soon after; Ireland went close late on but couldn't find the back of the net

England won their first European Championship qualifier 2–0 against the Republic of Ireland thanks to first-half goals from Lauren James and Alex Greenwood.

The phrase "must win" was already advertised in England's second qualifier, the difficulty of Group A3. They had drawn 1-1 with Sweden at Wembley on Friday and needed a win to bolster their hopes of automatic qualification for Euro 2025.

James calmed nerves inside 12 minutes when he slotted home after a good flick from former England youth international Anna Patten.

Greenwood's penalty (18) doubled England's lead after Ruesha Littlejohn was penalized for handball. But he fell short soon after when he hit the post after Louise Quinn had also handled the ball, albeit harshly.

Ireland pushed for goals late on in the prime of the game, but poor passing in the final third and a lack of finishing cost them a chance at a famous score.

England now move into second place in Group A3 with four points, two behind France, who beat Sweden 1-0 earlier on Tuesday. Ireland are still bottom with no points.

How England defeated the Irish Republic

The sides had not met for 37 years and England went ahead early on. Lucy Bronze was picked out on the right side of the box and her attempted pass deflected off Patten. Then it hit a kindly waiting James who returned home.

Five minutes later, England were awarded a penalty. The referee took a moment to consider his decision but pointed to the spot when Jess Park's attempted shot hit the raised arms of Littlejohn. Greenwood then finished coolly into the left corner.

Just before the hour, the Lionesses were awarded another penalty. This time Louise Quinn was penalized for handball, although the decision was much harsher. The defender had little time to react to the incoming ball, and without VAR the decision could not be reviewed.

Greenwood again stepped up to take on and decided to go right. However, his effort hit the post before going wide as England missed the chance to add a third.

It was a quiet start to the second period, but Courtney Brosnan made a sensational save in the 65th minute. Alessia Russo nodded down a James pass to Fran Kirby, but her shot from close range was blocked by the keeper.

But Ireland could have scored late on. Katie McCabe floated a cross to Louise Quinn at the back post who then flashed the ball across the six yard box. No other green shirt could change until Kirby saw it in the back corner.

Hannah Hampton was also needed to keep out Hayes as she tried to turn home from McCabe's corner. But the keeper was positioned correctly to push the effort away as he finished the game with a clean sheet.

Williamson: I feel 10 times taller in an England shirt

English Captain Leah Williamson Thu ITV Sport: "I really love playing for England. When I put this badge on I feel 10 times taller, 10 times stronger.

"The group is such an amazing group of girls and I loved every second of it."

"I set my sights on this [playing for England during her ACL recovery]. On the ACL pitches you hopefully come back healthy, but I wanted to be good enough to play in England again.

“The standards are so high and the players who have been here have raised them higher... I felt today was the end of that journey.

"The most important thing was the three points. That's what we came here for. We would have liked it to be more convincing... it was a good goal to hold on."

Against France in May: "We're getting better, probably they're getting better too, but you can expect a competitive side in June."

Wiegman: We hope to control the games better

English manager Sarina Wiegman Thu ITV Sports: "It was a tough game. We completely dominated the first half and could have been 4-0 up.

"Later in the game they came with a strong throw-in and had more chances than in the first half. It became a fight and we wanted to stay out of the fight. We had to show a lot more because we controlled really tight. .

- This game was completely different [to Sweden]. They tried to play physical and we had moments where we played really well and could have changed the ball more, but we were a bit loose.

"I can see improvements, but you hope you can control the game better."

On Williamson's return: "He was just playing home games and now it's gone with a lot of noise and I think he stayed calm and played well. It's really nice to see him."

McCabe "proud" of his ROI app

Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe Thu ITV Sport: - In the first half I felt we were too passive at times and gave them a lot of space.

"We looked at it at halftime, tweaked a few things and had to go on and try to get something. I'm proud of how we applied ourselves.

"I have not seen [first] penalty back but it's frustrating. They are avoidable goals. We created a few spots towards the end and unfortunately they didn't go our way.

- We look and see where we can be better, especially in future transfers, to be better on the ball and more dangerous.

"It's four games and we know we have qualities and strengths. We could have had two goals there and a slightly different game. We have to keep going and not drop our heads."

In the second penalty against Louise Quinn: "You can't do much, that's the rule of handball. I think the football gods redeemed themselves."

What next?

EnglishThe Euro qualifying campaign will continue next month in hosting France at St James' Park on May 31; start at 8 p.m.

Republic of Ireland back to action same night, entertaining Swedish at the Aviva Stadium; start at 19:30.

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