IRELAND RATINGS
COURTNEY BROSNAN 7
Well beaten for England’s first and went the wrong way for the converted spot-kick. Was quick off her line to deny several through balls afterwards though, and pulled off a stunning point-blank save on 63 minutes to ensure Fran Kirby didn’t add a third.
AOIFE MANNION 5
The right wing-back was below-par here as Lauren Hemp outpaced her in the lead-up to England’s second penalty. Made some passing errors which put Ireland on the back foot. A tough night.
CAITLIN HAYES 6
Kept Alessia Russo quiet for the most part. One lapse of concentration almost led to Kirby making it three. The Celtic centre-half went very close to pulling a goal back on 77 minutes but couldn’t convert Louise Quinn’s cross from close range.
LOUISE QUINN 6
The 28th-minute penalty given against the centre-half was very harsh and the post denied Alex Greenwood a second. Made some vital blocks and clearances from the heart of the back three to deny England a third.
ANNA PATTEN 6
Could do nothing to prevent the ball ricocheting off her for Lauren James’ opening strike. Wasn’t afraid to step out from the back and get Ireland forward on the Aston Villa defender’s first home start.
KATIE McCABE 5
Lost track of Lucy Bronze at the back post for England’s opener on 12 minutes. Her set-piece deliveries were good but the captain couldn’t add the spark to get her side back into the contest. Created a great chance late on but opted to go herself rather than square to Leanne Kiernan.
HEATHER PAYNE 6
Started at right midfield and did well to win possession back twice early on to add some impetus going forward. Worked hard but a limited second-half impact. Replaced by Kiernan.
RUESHA LITTLEJOHN 4
The midfielder came into the XI but could have no complaints after her handball allowed Greenwood to double England’s lead. Loose in possession and taken off at the break for Megan Connolly.
DENISE O’SULLIVAN 6
One of Ireland’s better performers. Showed her composure in possession several times to beat her marker and get Ireland going in the final third.
LUCY QUINN 5
Also came into the team at left midfield but three passes failed to find their targets. Didn’t make the impact she would’ve liked before Megan Campbell replaced her.
KYRA CARUSA 5
Led the line as a lone striker and ran tirelessly but didn’t receive much in the way of service as she was outnumbered. A quiet night and was replaced by Emily Murphy.
EILEEN GLEESON 5
Made two changes from the French defeat. Started well but two early errors cost dearly. Things improved after the break but her side lacked a real end product when required. The wait for a first win over the European champions goes on.
SUBSTITUTIONS 7
Connolly (46 minutes) did well while Kiernan and Campbell (60) gave Ireland a much-needed lift, with the latter’s famous long throws causing havoc in the English box. Murphy (67) made a late cameo.