Eoin Harrington reporting from the Aviva Stadium
Ireland 0-2 England
Ireland showed strong tenacity and fight in a tough game against the European champions on Tuesday night but, ultimately, England ran out worthy winners on Lansdowne Road.
After Friday night's away defeat to France, the hope might have been that the crowd at the Aviva Stadium could have driven Ireland to a more positive result on home soil
32,742 Irish fans were in attendance on Tuesday night, though they witnessed largely one-way traffic in the first half, as the world's #2 ranked side dominated proceedings and were 2-0 up by the break.
That would ultimately be the final score, though Ireland's second half performance suggested more promise than anything they showed in France on Friday, as England's defence at times looked somewhat rattled by the waves of green pressure.
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Ireland (Score) England: WNT Player Ratings
Courtney Brosnan - 7
Went the right way for Greenwood's second spot-kick, and marshalled her area well enough as usual. Beaten from close range for James' strike and sent the wrong way for the first pen. Came out well to stifle Russo just before half-time.
Outstanding point blank save from Kirby in the second period kept the margin at two.
Aoife Mannion - 5
Mannion was strong enough in defence in the first half, though much of that was down to the fact that not much of England's attacking play came down the right flank. Beaten for pace by Hemp in the lead-up to the second English penalty.
9 April 2024; Aoife Mannion of Republic of Ireland in action against Lauren Hemp of England during the UEFA Women's European Championship qualifying group A match between Republic of Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Struggled to do anything with the ball in the second period as Ireland enjoyed some marginal territorial gains.
Caitlin Hayes - 5
Not tested as much as Patten on the other side of the three, though Hayes did create a few nervy moments for herself in dawdling in possession or pushing too high up at points.
Could have had a goal late on on three separate occasions - though she could also have inadvertently sent England through on goal with a wayward header in the final ten minutes.
Louise Quinn - 6
9 April 2024; Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe and Louise Quinn remonstrate with referee Lina Lehtovaara after she awarded a second penalty to England during the UEFA Women's European Championship qualifying group A match between Republic of Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Unfairly judged to have handled the ball for the second of England's spot-kicks. Generally marshalled the centre of defence well, as usual, though she was slow to react when the ball came to James for the first England goal.
Should have been rewarded with an assist when she did brilliantly to get on the end of McCabe's free-kick in the final quarter. Essentially moved to centre forward in the closing stages as Ireland chased a goal - and threatened from there.
Anna Patten - 5
Patten was solid in possession, but far too slow in releasing the ball and her passing was sloppy throughout the first period.
Could have had a goal back from Quinn's dangerous ball across the box late on, but couldn't make clean contact.
Katie McCabe - 6
After the mixed bag of Friday in Metz, McCabe again struggled for much time on the ball, though she was more reliable in possession than against France. Could have done better at the back post for James' goal and gave away possession on a couple of occasions in the first period.
Improved in the second half and drove move of Ireland's attacking play, as they did well to put more pressure on the England backline.
Audacious in closing down Hampton late on, though it nearly led to an Irish goal. Ironically, it might have done if she had squared the ball to Kiernan.
Heather Payne - 5.5
9 April 2024; Jessica Carter of England in action against Heather Payne of Republic of Ireland during the UEFA Women's European Championship qualifying group A match between Republic of Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Arguably the most impressive Irish outfield player in the opening period, especially after such an underwhelming performance against France.
She was tenacious in attempts to recover possession and showed impetus to drive at the English defence whenever she did so.
Ruesha Littlejohn - 4.5
Disappointing after a justified recall to the starting XI. Too often she took too long to release the ball, often cornering herself against the relentless English press. Physical in midfield as always but unreliable on the ball.
Replaced by Connolly at half-time.
Denise O'Sullivan - 5.5
9 April 2024; Denise O'Sullivan of Republic of Ireland in action against Ella Toone of England during the UEFA Women's European Championship qualifying group A match between Republic of Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Struggled to do anything with what little of the ball she saw. On a few occasions, she could perhaps have played a riskier early ball to send Ireland on the attack but chose to consolidate possession. Never poor on the ball, but saw so little of it she struggled to make her impact.
Like McCabe, enjoyed more of an impact in the second period, and impressed in her defensive duties late on.
Lucy Quinn - 5
Another who was perhaps too slow in releasing possession, though her runs in behind were one of the few elements of Ireland's game which threatened England. Had little impact in the second period and was replaced by Campbell on the hour mark.
Kyra Carusa - 5
9 April 2024; Kyra Carusa of Republic of Ireland in action against Leah Williamson of England during the UEFA Women's European Championship qualifying group A match between Republic of Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Again isolated, though got a few more opportunities to utilise her strength to hold up the ball than she did on Friday. Again, though, the England press was so strong that it was difficult for her to release the ball without turning over possession.
Substitutes
Megan Connolly (for Littlejohn, h/t) - 5
Steadied the Ireland midfield somewhat, though gave away a sloppy free kick around the hour mark. Did not have much chance to do anything with the ball, as most of Ireland's possession came in quick transitions in the final third.
Leanne Kiernan (for Payne, 61') - 5.5
Did well to threaten the England defence and was alert to interceptions in the final third once again. Caused danger from set pieces, and did well to win a free-kick from James' foul on 75 minutes.
Megan Campbell (for Lucy Quinn, 61') - 5
It's a cliché, but her long throw-ins were an immediate threat and caused England significant panic immediately after she was introduced.
Caught out positionally and gave away possession sloppily immediately before Kirby's point-blank miss.
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