Pauw only sees positives in facing higher ranked opponents

There was mixed news on the injury front as goalkeeper Marie Hourihan (hip) and defender Niamh Farrelly (foot) have dropped out of the squad, but midfielder Ruesha Littlejohn has recovered from a foot injury.

Ireland manager Vera Pauw

Republic of Ireland Manager Vera Pauw is hoping to put into practice “the hard work we have been doing on the training pitch” in Sunday’s international friendly against Belgium in Brussels.

The hosts are 14 places above Pauw’s side (31st) in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings and have qualified for the 2022 UEFA Women’s European Championships.