Classy England prevail but Julie-Ann Russell goal lifts belief

The Republic of Ireland fell to a 2-1 Euro 2025 qualifier loss against England at Carrow Road, but Julie-Ann Russell's late consolation goal may be the grain of rice that tips the scales in their favour when the play-offs come around in the autumn.

The Lionesses were a class apart for most of this contest at Carrow Road.

Alessia Russo's brilliantly made fifth-minute opener did not satisfy their appetite to attack Ireland with a relentless ferocity.

Ireland eventually settled down and were looking much more comfortable until Niamh Fahey's error led to a penalty that Georgia Stanway converted three minutes before the hour mark.

Game over. And yet a 92nd-minute volley from the excellent Russell was a shot in the arm that could lead Ireland to the promised land. Finally they have a goal to their name in this campaign. More importantly, it helps their overall ranking points, which determine who will be seeded for the play-offs in the autumn/winter time.

The draw for those play-offs takes place next week, but before that Ireland take on France at Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh where they will look to pinch something off a team that's already booked their ticket to next year's tournament in Switzerland.

5' - GOAL ENGLAND