New recruit Anna Patten sidelining English pals ahead of Aviva crunch

Ireland WNT play England on Tuesday night, the first competitive women’s fixture to be staged at Lansdowne Road.

5 April 2024; Anna Patten of Republic of Ireland acknowledges supporters after the UEFA Women's European Championship qualifying group A match between France and Republic of Ireland at Stade Saint-Symphorien in Metz, France. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Ireland newcomer Anna Patten has kept interactions with her England friends deliberately limited ahead of Tuesday’s titanic battle between the nations.

Friday night’s set of opening Euro 2025 Group A3 fixtures saw the holders England held 1-1 against Sweden at Wembley and Ireland lose narrowly 1-0 to France in Metz.