'A point would be huge' - Eileen Gleeson aiming to avoid wooden spoon in Ireland's final pair of Euro qualifiers

The seeding criteria for the playoffs means there’s still a degree of jeopardy on the line when they conclude against holders England at Carrow Road on Friday week (7.45pm) and table-toppers France at Pairc Uí Chaoímh on Tuesday, July 16 (6pm).

POINT TO PROVE; Head coach Eileen Gleeson during a Republic of Ireland women squad announcement at FAI Headquarters in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile

A sprint to avoid bottom is the ultimate target for Ireland from their final pair of Women’s Euro qualifiers this month, the second being the first senior international to be staged in Cork for 12 years.

Four straight defeats in the top echelon of Uefa’s system has already descended Eileen Gleeson’s team into a playoff route to next year’s finals.