England took one step closer to booking a place at Euro 2025 with a 2-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland in their Carrow Road qualifier.
Alessia Russo fired the defending European champions into the lead after just five minutes in front of a sold-out crowd in Norwich, undeterred by the soggy conditions and delighted to welcome the Lionesses back for the first time since the 2022 Arnold Clark Cup.
Georgia Stanway doubled England’s advantage with a second-half penalty but Julie-Ann Russell denied the hosts a clean sheet in the fourth and final minute of added time.
England, who need to finish in the top two of group A3 to directly secure a spot at next summer’s tournament in Switzerland, will wrap up their place with at least a point against Sweden in Gothenburg on Tuesday.
Russo fired England ahead with the first clear-cut chance for either side. It all began with Georgia Stanway’s drive forward and a quick touch from Beth Mead, who set up her Arsenal team-mate brilliantly to round keeper Courtney Brosnan and fire home.
The Republic, missing suspended skipper Katie McCabe, got their first sight of goal as Amber Barrett called Hannah Hampton into a simple save at her near post.
Brosnan found herself the far more active keeper, palming Jess Park’s attempt over the bar then saving sharp efforts by Mead and Jess Carter in quick succession.
Though the Republic began to find more of a footing, England’s back line ensured any encroachments into their final third were swiftly defended.
Carter provided the only half-chance as the pace slowed, her cross easily snapped up by Brosnan, who later emerged to break up Hemp’s threatening run.
Hampton punched away the Republic’s first corner in the 41st minute, and while England had a chance to double their lead just before half-time when Russo pounced on a loose ball, she was cut off before she could cross to the onrushing Mead.
Nine former Lionesses from the local area were honoured with legacy caps at the break and, after a lively 12 minutes to start the second half, Stanway coolly converted from the penalty spot after Niamh Fahey hauled down Norfolk native Hemp.
Tottenham forward Jess Naz was sent on for a first cap while local hero Hemp was treated to a rousing ovation when she was replaced by another debutant, Aggie Beever-Jones, in the 88th minute.
Just as England seemed to be headed to Sweden with a 2-0 victory, they failed to defend a long throw and Russell clawed one back for the visitors.