The Euro 2025 qualifier game featuring England against Ireland at Carrow Road will proceed, though without the participation of Katie McCabe from Ireland due to a suspension for an amassed number of yellow cards. On her 114th cap, Denise O’Sullivan will be the team’s captain.
Off-field incidents this week, however, have impeded the crucial game for the two countries. When allegations of improper sexual advances to Irish female footballers in the 1990s came to the attention of England’s manager, Sarina Wiegman, she asserted that such occurrences must not be repeated.
David Courell, FAI’s acting chief executive, has recently spent some time with the Ireland team to grapple with what the association deems serious historical abuse and manipulation suffered by female participants in Irish football.
Eileen Gleeson, the head coach of the Irish team, pledged support and solidarity to the affected players, lauding their courage to speak up. She equally advocates for safety in the football ecosystems and broader society. She expressed her deep sadness after hearing the accusations of the players.
The game, where the world’s third-ranked team faces the 25th, could help Ireland with a place in the Euro 2025 playoffs, scheduled for the last phase of October, and if successful, they could play in the final playoffs in Switzerland on December 3rd.
If Ireland does not win after their five games in Nations League A, Poland might have a more favourable playoff draw, given their superior goal difference, unless a team with Katie McCabe manages to clinch a victory against France at Páirc Uí Chaoimh the next Tuesday.
Media coverage of Heimir Hallgrímsson’s announcement as the manager of Ireland’s men’s team at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday is another matter. However, this did not influence the players’ readiness negatively.
Manchester United defender Aoife Mannion commented on their densely scheduled time in camp, focusing on training and mentally preparing for the England match, with an aim to progress deep into the Euros campaign. According to her, the team is keen to perform well in the playoffs and improve their game from the previous loss against England, with a score of 2-0.
Chelsea forward Lauren James, who was exceptional during the encounter in Dublin last April, is injured. This means head coach Wiegman will be depending on other noteworthy players. Wiegman stated the importance of securing an automatic qualification to defend their European title, particularly with a minimum draw against Sweden in Gothenburg on Tuesday, suggesting that a slip up at Carrow Road shouldn’t happen.
Wiegman was appreciative of Team Ireland, acknowledging their competitiveness in the tournament, and expressed the desire for England to perform well and command the game more compared to the previous encounter with Ireland.
Izzy Atkinson might get her opportunity to excel from the left flank due to the absence of McCabe, while Jess Ziu is expected to retain her impressive form on the right. Everton’s player of the season, Courtney Brosnan, the goalkeeper for Ireland, could have a hectic night.