England are back in Euro 2025 qualifying action on Friday night as they host the Republic of Ireland at Carrow Road for the penultimate group game.
Sarina Wiegman’s side currently sit third in the standings, level on points with Sweden and only two behind leaders France. Only the top two will automatically qualify for next summer’s finals in Switzerland, so a win in Norwich is absolutely pivotal ahead of their final clash with Sweden next week.
Despite a disappointing display against France at St James’ Park back in May, the Lionesses turned things around to beat Les Bleues on their own turf a few days later to keep their hopes of qualifying firmly alive. Now, it’s crunch time for England with just two games to go and positive results will be necessary if they’re to avoid the play-off route.
England will hope to continue their development under Wiegman that has seen them reach two major finals in the space of a couple of years. In 2022, they won the Euros and 12 months ago they were narrowly beaten by Spain in the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia.
Here’s 90min’s preview of Friday’s Euro qualifier between England and the Republic of Ireland.
England vs Republic of Ireland total H2H record
Current form (all competitions)
|
England |
Republic of Ireland |
|---|---|
|
France 1-2 England – 04/06/24 |
Sweden 1-0 Republic of Ireland – 04/06/24 |
|
England 1-2 France 31/05/24 |
Republic of Ireland 0-3 Sweden – 31/05/24 |
|
Republic of Ireland 0-2 England – 09/04/24 |
Republic of Ireland 0-2 England – 09/04/24 |
|
England 1-1 Sweden – 05/04/24 |
France 1-0 Republic of Ireland – 05/04/24 |
|
England 5-1 Italy – 27/02/24 |
Republic of Ireland 0-2 Wales – 27/02/24 |
|
Country |
TV channel/livestream |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
ITV1, ITVX |
|
Republic of Ireland |
STV, STV Player |
Wiegman faces plenty of selection headaches ahead of Friday night’s clash at Carrow Road. It has already been confirmed she will be without Lauren James, Lotte Wubben-Moy and goalkeeper Kayla Rendell for their upcoming two fixtures as they continue their respective rehabilitation plans.
However, it is much more positive news for Mary Earps and Niamh Charles as they returned to team training. However, the England boss did confirm in her pre-match press conference that the latter will be unable to play two 90-minute games and her load will need to be managed.
England predicted lineup vs Republic of IrelandÂ
England predicted lineup vs Republic of Ireland (4-3-3): Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Bright, Carter; Walsh, Stanway, Clinton; Hemp, Russo, Mead
Injuries to Chloe Mustaki, Tara O’Hanlon, Jamie Finn, Heather Payne and Kyra Carusa have ruled them out of the Republic of Ireland’s upcoming fixtures against England and France. Although, they have been boosted by the returns of Niamh Fahey, Denise O’Sullivan and Marissa Sheva to the 26-player squad.
In a further blow, Ireland captain Katie McCabe will have to watch on from the stands on Friday night due to suspension. She picked up another booking in their previous outing against Sweden and O’Sullivan will assume the armband in her place against England.
Republic of Ireland predicted lineup vs England
Republic of Ireland predicted lineup vs England (5-4-1): Brosnan; Connolly, Hayes, Lo. Quinn, Mannion, Patten; Kiernan, Littlejohn, Ziu, Agg; Sheva
Despite England’s slender 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland in the reverse fixture back in April, the Lionesses remain favourites heading into this fixture. Eileen Gleeson’s side are rock bottom of the group having suffered four defeats in their campaign so far.
Wiegman may be without some big hitters, including James, but the strength in depth England have is undeniable. A win on Friday night will put the Lionesses within touching distance of automatic qualification for next summer’s Euros in Switzerland, should results elsewhere go their way.
The visitors will be without their captain and leader McCabe for this clash, which slashes their already slim hopes of coming out on top against the current European champions. Wiegman’s side should have enough to get over the line, even in the face of what will likely be a resilient Ireland team.