ENGLAND’S LADIES BATTLE TO A 2-0 WIN OVER IRELAND, AND FRANCE TOP THE EURO QUALIFICATION GROUP

Lauren James and Alex Greenwood scored for England in a 2-0 victory against an Ireland team that fought till the end in Dublin in the Women’s Euro qualifiers on Tuesday, although France remains top of League A Group 3 following a 1-0 win over Sweden.

With Leah Williamson returning to captain England after a year out owing to an ACL injury, Chelsea forward James put the visitors ahead in the 12th minute with a precise finish after the Irish failed to deal with a cross into the box.

Alex Greenwood converted a penalty six minutes later, and she was given another chance from the spot for another handball on the half-hour mark, but this time she hit Courtney Brosnan’s left-hand post and the ball rebounded safely.

A change to a more direct strategy late in the game allowed the Irish to exert some real pressure in the second half, but they were unable to find the back of the net, resulting in their second consecutive defeat in the four-team qualifying group.

Earlier in the evening, France took the lead with a 1-0 triumph over Sweden. Wendie Renard scored the winning goal in the 81st minute, while French attacker Vicki Becho was sent off in stoppage time for a second yellow card.