The talking points from Lyon

Three major lessons to take from Ireland’s loss to France...

1. Ireland are a better team on the front foot

Unlike in the last outing against a side of superior quality, Ireland adopted a different approach from the outset by pressing the French high into their own half. Martin O’Neill’s team might have held Belgium scoreless for the opening 45 minutes nine days ago but the tactic of slowing the game down was apparent and designed to nick a point.