England picked up their first win of Euro 2025 qualifying with a comfortable display against the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.
Lauren James gave the Lionesses an early lead when she stroked in a deflected header from Lucy Bronze.
Defender Alex Greenwood’s penalty made it 2-0 but she missed a second spot-kick before half-time.
The Republic of Ireland sit bottom of the group with two defeats. England are two points behind leaders France.
The top two sides automatically qualify for next summer’s tournament in Switzerland, with the other two nations dropping into the play-offs.
England got their European title defence off to a shaky start, drawing 1-1 with Sweden on Friday, but they showed improvement in Dublin.
Captain Leah Williamson returned for the first time in a year and brought composure and intensity playing out from the back, while midfielder Keira Walsh was the standout performer.
It was Walsh’s pass that found Bronze at the back post and her cutback fell kindly for James, before Jess Park’s shot was blocked by the outstretched arm of Ruesha Littlejohn and Greenwood was able to put away the first penalty.
Louise Quinn was penalised shortly afterwards for another handball – which the Republic of Ireland players felt was harsh – but Greenwood could only hit the post.
Sarina Wiegman’s side had done the business in the first half though and, despite two huge chances for defender Caitlin Hayes later on, the Republic of Ireland could not find a response.
More to follow
Line-ups
Republic of Ireland
Formation 5-4-1
- 1Brosnan
- 13Mannion
- 5Hayes
- 4Quinn
- 12Patten
- 11McCabeBooked at 90mins
- 14PayneSubstituted forKiernanat 61′minutes
- 10O’Sullivan
- 8LittlejohnSubstituted forConnollyat 45′minutes
- 15QuinnSubstituted forCampbellat 61′minutes
- 18CarusaSubstituted forMurphyat 67′minutes
Substitutes
- 2Stapleton
- 3Campbell
- 6Connolly
- 7Caldwell
- 9Barrett
- 16Moloney
- 17Agg
- 19Toland
- 20Kiernan
- 21Murphy
- 22Atkinson
- 23Whitehouse
England
Formation 4-3-3
- 1Hampton
- 2Bronze
- 5Williamson
- 6Greenwood
- 3Carter
- 8ParkSubstituted forKirbyat 56′minutes
- 4Walsh
- 10TooneSubstituted forStanwayat 75′minutes
- 7JamesSubstituted forKellyat 86′minutes
- 9RussoSubstituted forDalyat 86′minutes
- 11HempSubstituted forMeadat 56′minutes
Substitutes
- 12Charles
- 13Earps
- 14Kirby
- 15Wubben-Moy
- 16Kelly
- 17Mead
- 18Clinton
- 19Daly
- 20Stanway
- 21Rendell
- 22Morgan
- 23Turner
Live Text
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Match ends, Republic of Ireland 0, England 2.
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Second Half ends, Republic of Ireland 0, England 2.
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Attempt saved. Louise Quinn (Republic of Ireland) header from the centre of the box is saved in the top right corner. Assisted by Megan Campbell with a cross.
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Attempt missed. Beth Mead (England) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Chloe Kelly with a cross.
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Katie McCabe (Republic of Ireland) is shown the yellow card.
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Rachel Daly (England) wins a free kick on the left wing.
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Foul by Katie McCabe (Republic of Ireland).
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Beth Mead (England) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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Foul by Louise Quinn (Republic of Ireland).
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Substitution, England. Rachel Daly replaces Alessia Russo.
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Substitution, England. Chloe Kelly replaces Lauren James.
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Attempt saved. Katie McCabe (Republic of Ireland) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top right corner.
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Attempt missed. Louise Quinn (Republic of Ireland) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Denise O’Sullivan with a cross.
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Attempt saved. Caitlin Hayes (Republic of Ireland) header from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Katie McCabe with a cross.
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Corner, Republic of Ireland. Conceded by Beth Mead.
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Attempt missed. Caitlin Hayes (Republic of Ireland) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Katie McCabe following a set piece situation.
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Foul by Lucy Bronze (England).
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Katie McCabe (Republic of Ireland) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Corner, Republic of Ireland. Conceded by Fran Kirby.
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Foul by Lauren James (England).