The stage was set in Dublin, as AVIVA Stadium geared up to host match day two of the EURO Qualifying stages under the lights. Republic of Ireland look to continue their run of tenacity, after a valiant effort against France that saw them fall to a narrow defeat at the hands of the World No.3.

Their opponents in England search to find their first three points on their road to Switzerland, after a Wembley stalemate that saw them finish on level terms with Sweden last Friday evening.

With both sides eager to garner the upper hand under the lights in Dublin, as 32,742 fans piled through the turnstiles to fly their colours high in a highly anticipated clash at the AVIVA.

IRL: Brosnan; Quinn, Hayes, Littlejohn, O’Sullivan, McCabe, Patten, Mannion, Payne, Quinn, Carusa

ENG: Hampton; Bronze, Carter, Walsh, Williamson, Greenwood, James, Park, Russo, Toone, Hemp

Eileen Gleeson makes some notable changes to her starting eleven, as Megan Connolly drops to the bench. Sarina Wiegman makes five changes to her Lionesses line up, as Ella Toone, Jess Carter, and Jess Park return to the starting lineup. Mary Earps makes way for Hannah Hampton between the sticks, as Leah Williamson starts for England for the first time in 369 days.

Play was underway in Dublin, as The Girls in Green kicked off proceedings from the centre spot. It would be the hosts who would have the opening chance of the game, as Jess Carter’s deflection trickled behind for a corner. Katie McCabe received warm applause from the home fans, though her cross was well collected by Hannah Hampton.

The Lionesses would look to strike next, as neat footwork from Ella Toone saw her locate Lauren James out in the wide area. James’s cross looked well-placed, though Alessia Russo’s headed effort lacked the intended power to cause any stress for Courtney Brosnan.

It wouldn’t take long for England to flex their muscles, as Keira Walsh placed a brilliant ball across the face to find Lucy Bronze at the back post. Bronze’s headed touch took an unfortunate deflection from Anna Patten, as James found herself within striking distance. Making no mistake did the Chelsea star, as she slotted home the advantage in the 11th minute of play.

The situation would be quick to worsen for The Girls in Green, as Jess Park’s strike took a handball deflection from Ruesha Littlejohn inside of the penalty area. Making no mistake from the penalty spot did Alex Greenwood, as she slotted home England’s second of the evening.

Spirits faltered once more under the lights of the AVIVA Stadium, as Lauren Hemp’s searching cross saw Louise Quinn’s kneed clearance ricochet on to her arm. Lina Lehtovaara signalled to the penalty spot once again, though this time Greenwood was denied by the woodwork, as her strike was fired into the right goal post.

The Girls in Green struggle to find tempo as the clock runs down on the first half, finding themselves on the back foot as England dictate the field of play.

The half time whistle blew at the AVIVA, as the Lionesses preserve their two-goal advantage with ease heading into the second half. Eileen Gleeson’s side would surely welcome the break in play, as they desperately need to find the answers to a pressing England side.

Play heads back underway at AVIVA Stadium, as the Lionesses get proceedings underway under the lights in Dublin. Gleeson opted for a change at the half time interval, as Ruesha Littlejohn makes way for Megan Connolly in the middle of the park.

Neither team create a tangible chance in the opening ten minutes of play, as England control the tempo with authority across the park. Hemp gets on the end of a line-breaking ball from Ella Toone, though her strike is cleared away from danger by Connolly inside of the area.

The Lionesses looked to add a third to their tally as play entered the 65th minute, after James found Mead with an excellent cross in to the danger zone. Mead’s header was well-timed, and just as Fran Kirby looked promising from close range, Brosnan’s heroics denied her any entry into the net.

The hosts were given a chance to get one back as Leanne Kiernan earned a free kick in an opportunistic position outside of the area. Katie McCabe sent a brilliant ball through to Quinn on the advance, though her cross was blundered near the touchline by Caitlin Hayes.

The atmosphere inside of the AVIVA gained a new lease, as McCabe stepped up to deliver a brilliant corner toward the back post. Hayes flew in with a well-timed run, though her effort was blocked by Hannah Hampton to deny entry.

Despite a strong display in the opening half, the Lionesses began to lose grip of the steering wheel as the Girls in Green mounted on the pressure. McCabe disturbed the action of Hampton’s goalkick, as the England keeper fired her clearance into the oncoming Irish skipper. Despite looking to be in a contending position, Hampton was able to track back and save McCabe’s attempts at goal.

The final whistle rung through AVIVA Stadium, as Lina Lehtovaara signalled for the game’s end at 2-0 to the visitors. Three points on the road sees the Lionesses occupy second spot in the group standings after France’s 1-0 victory over Sweden this evening.

The Halfway Line Player of the Match: Keira Walsh