Ireland v England player ratings: Girls in Green come up short in Euro qualifier

Goals from Lauren James and Alex Greenwood helped England to a 2-0 win over the girls in green.

Chloe Kelly in action against Megan Campbell.

Courtney Brosnan Went the wrong way when faced with Alex Greenwood’s first penalty but chose the right side without getting a touch for the second. There was not much she could have done about the opening goal. Solid save from Lauren James and a top class one to deny Fran Kirby. 6 

Aoife Mannion The Manchester United defender made a couple of impressively firm challenges and did well to limit the threat of Lauren Hemp but misjudged a couple of passes and was seldom able to advance up the field. 6 

Caitlin Hayes Did a good job at keeping Alessia Russo quiet enough, however centre back will be disappointed not to pull a goal back from two well-worked set pieces as Ireland built up a late head of steam in search of an unlikely comeback. 6 

Louise Quinn A less cut and dry decision for her penalty concession - though there was some justice seeing Alex Greenwood’s spot kick come back off the post. Arm was positioned awkwardly but it was accidental and she had little time to react. 6 

Anna Patten Unlucky bounce to help Lauren James towards England’s opener but also questions about her positioning in the first place. Otherwise a solid performance in second appearance for the team. 5 

Lucy Quinn Offered one moment full of perseverance approaching the interval with a dribble down the left that earned a corner, which led to a half-hearted handball appeal. Substituted on the hour mark. 6 

Ruesha Littlejohn Looked in disbelief when penalty was awarded against her for handball but it was hard to dispute. The left arm was raised and in an unnatural position. Battled in midfield without ever having time to get comfortable in possession and was taken off at half-time. 5 

Denise O’Sullivan The Cork native would have hoped for a higher execution rate but she was the most creative-minded player in green - trying to find clever through balls in the sporadic moments that there were willing runners. One particularly dangerous cross from the right late on. 6 

Heather Payne Made a couple of promising early breaks before England really began to dominate only to eventually run into trouble or misplace the final pass. Replaced in the 60th minute. Another who tried hard without much opportunity to thrive high up the pitch. 5 

Katie McCabe So much is expected of the captain that when she has a slight off day it becomes really noticeable. Key to the late excitement but faced a difficult assignment of having to defend against Lauren James, one of the game’s best attackers, in the first half. 6 

Kyra Carusa Did the best she could with so little of the ball. Isolated and lacked support but hard to be critical of the rare moments in which she was able to hold possession up. Substituted midway through the second half. 5 

Substitutes: 

Megan Connolly (for Littlejohn, 46) - Steady performance in heart of midfield. 5 

Leanne Kiernan (for Payne, 60) - One moment of excitement when intercepting a loose pass in the 75th minute but could not capitalise. 5 

Megan Campbell (for Lucy Quinn 61) - Offered an immediate threat with a pair of trademark long throws. England never looked less uncertain than when dealing with her missile deliveries. 6 

Emily Murphy (for Carusa 67) - Not on long enough to make a significant impact. 5 

Not used: Sophie Whitehouse, Grace Moloney, Jessica Stapleton, Diane Caldwell, Amber Barrett, Lily Agg, Tyler Toland, Izzy Atkinson.