Republic of Ireland 0-2 England: Lionesses pick up first victory of Euro 2025 qualifying campaign thanks to goals from Lauren James and Alex Greenwood... as Leah Williamson makes her long-awaited return

For 45 minutes there was a comforting sense of familiarity about England’s victory against the Republic of Ireland.

In control and clinical - it was a performance more akin to the type we expect from the European champions than the underwhelming draw against Sweden on Friday.

The second half was less convincing. Had Ireland taken their chances, they could have come away with a vital point.

In the end, England’s first half performance was enough. A moment of quality from Lauren James, who opened the scoring in the 12th minute, and a penalty from Alex Greenwood, who later missed a second from the spot, sealed victory. 

It leaves them second in their Euro 2025 qualifying group, behind leaders France who have won both of their opening games.

Sarina Wiegman will have concerns about how difficult her side made it for themselves at times here, but one aspect of this win was the return of captain Leah Williamson, who made her first international appearance in nearly a year after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament.

Wearing the captain’s armband, the defender sprayed passes about and slid into tackles as if she had never been away. In truth, she was probably the Lionesses’ best player on the pitch.

Williamson was one of five changes made from last week. It is very unlike Wiegman to rotate so heavily for a competitive fixture, but it quickly became apparent that Ireland would not be able to defend as well as Sweden.

England took the lead after 12 minutes when the hosts failed to clear Walsh’s cross. The ball dropped to James and the forward hit a superb first-time finish into the bottom left corner.

The Lionesses then doubled their advantage six minutes. Jess Park’s volley from the edge of the box struck the hand of Ruesha Littlejohn and referee Lina Lehtovaara pointed to the spot. Greenwood stepped up and made no mistake, sending her strike into the bottom left corner.

England were awarded a second penalty when Lauren Hemp’s cross hit the hand of Louise Quinn, but this time Greenwood’s effort hit the post and bounced wide.

Ireland had two great chances to pull a goal back in the second half. The first fell to Quinn, but she was unable to convert Katie McCabe’s cross from close-range.

Hannah Hampton then did well to keep out Caitlin Hayes’ header. The England goalkeeper, who had replaced Mary Earps in the starting XI, then nearly had a moment to forget. 

Her goal-kick was blocked by McCabe, who then ran after the loose ball and fired at goal. 

Hampton had wanted a free-kick for McCabe’s block, but after a nervy moment managed to get back in time to save the Ireland captain’s effort.