Denise O'Sullivan returns as Eileen Gleeson names squad for France and England Euro qualifiers

Denise O'Sullivan returns from injury as Eileen Gleeson revealed her Republic of Ireland squad for next month's opening set of Women's Euro 2025 qualifying fixtures against France and England.

The Girls in Green are facing into a daunting group campaign with a meeting against the French in Metz on Friday, 5 April, before hosting reigning European champions England at the Aviva Stadium the following Tuesday. Both fixtures will be broadcast live on RTÉ.

Head coach Gleeson has selected a 26-player panel for the two games with North Carolina Courage playmaker O'Sullivan back in contention after being forced to withdraw from February's friendlies against Italy and Wales following a knee injury.

Like the Cork native, fellow midfielder Tyler Toland also returns from a minor knee injury.

There is also a maiden call-up for Aston Villa defender Anna Patten, although the 24-year-old will require international clearance from FIFA before being declared eligible to feature in the upcoming fixtures.

Teenage Manchester City defender Tara O'Hanlon misses out on the squad as she continues to work through return to play protocols, while Sinead Farrelly (quad) Jamie Finn (knee) are sidelined.

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (London City Lionesses), Sophie Whitehouse (Lewes).

Defenders: Jessie Stapleton (Reading - on loan from West Ham United), Diane Caldwell (FC Zurich), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Aoife Mannion (Manchester United), Caitlin Hayes (Celtic), Anna Patten (Aston Villa), Megan Campbell (London City Lionesses).

Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Bristol City), Ruesha Littlejohn (London City Lionesses), Tyler Toland (Blackburn