Katie McCabe says that you can never ‘sit still’ in international football as her Ireland side prepare to face France on Tuesday.
Since the last World Cup qualifying campaign the Ireland set up has changed significantly with a new head coach just one of the adjustments.
Katie McCabe faced the media alongside Ireland head coach Carla Ward on Monday morning and The Halfway Line was present to hear from her.
‘Focus’ and ‘discipline’ key for Ireland in France test says Katie McCabe
Ireland have gone through a number of changes since their victory over France at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in July 2024. McCabe reflected on those changes in the Irish setup as Ireland prepared to face France again,
“I don’t think you can ever sit still in international football” McCabe explained.
“I think if I look at last year, we went through a bit of a transition period. Obviously, new manager coming in, players retiring, and so if I look at how we started last year to how we finished it, there was a massive shift in our mentality and how positively we finished.
“I think going into these games, we know the job at hand. We know we’re going into League A, but I think in order for us to be thinking about going to major tournaments, we have to be competing against the best and we need to show ourselves against the best teams in the world, and that’s what France are.
“I mean, we’ve looked at them, at the Euros, played against some of the players in Europe, and they’re really, really high quality. So we need to be really, really focused, switched on, disciplined going into the game tomorrow night.”
When asked if the shift was quick or more gradual, McCabe pondered for a moment before replying,
“I think it’s gradual, you know, I think a big part of that is players leaving like Diane [Caldwell], like Louise Quinn, Niamh Fahey” the Irish captain explained.
“Those players that have so much experience that help control the energy around the group, the mentality, they pick players up if they need it, and keep me level when I need it as well, you know.
“That’s a that’s a massive thing as well. So I think where we were at the end of the the year, going into the Belgium game, I think we’ve, we’ve all been aligned on how we want to play and what that looks like, and what’s what’s best for us.
“I think Belgium at the AVIVA was a really good showcase of that a balance between defensively disciplined, and when we do win it back, being calm and composed on the ball and looking to play through the lines and mix it up and be a little bit direct at times as well.
“So you’ve seen, obviously, we scored a couple of different types of goals. So yeah, it’s about holding on to that and keeping confidence in that and yeah, bringing that into tomorrow night.”
McCabe praises ‘exceptional team’ in France
At UEFA EURO 2025 France were drawn into the group of death, but duly dispatched of reigning champions England to top the group. However they came unstuck in the quarter finals against a familiar foe in Germany, despite that loss McCabe is under no illusions as to their quality,
“I think we just need to look at France and what they’ve been doing the last few months, and obviously looking at how good they were at the Euros as well” McCabe noted.
“They’re an exceptional team, the talent, the depth they have. I know, obviously it’s been highlighted that they have a couple of injuries, but that doesn’t matter. They still have so much quality stepping into those roles. So we can’t look at that and think it’s a one up for us.
“We need to be ready. We need to be calm going into the game and extremely disciplined. And being able to execute the game plan for tomorrow night.”
‘I’ve given absolutely everything’ for Arsenal says McCabe
Katie McCabe is one of Arsenal’s longest serving players but with her contract running out this summer it seems increasingly unlikely that she will renew with the Gunners. Emma Duffy of the 42.ie asked McCabe if there was any update on her club future,
“Yeah, obviously my full focus is on these games coming up with Ireland” McCabe said.
“But in terms of my club future. I’ve got a contract till the end of the season. The Arsenal fans know how committed I am to them and to the club.
“I think I’ve showed that over the last 10 years, I’ve given absolutely everything. But yeah, in terms of where I’ll be at, I’m going to see out the next few months and then, and then go from there.”
Ireland face France at Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday night with kick off at 7:30pm, the match will be shown live on RTÉ 2 and RTÉ Player.
