Wiegman: 'Fast start was the key to victory'

Sarina Wiegman credited a fast start for England's 2-1 EURO 2025 qualifying win over Republic of Ireland at Carrow Road.

Alessia Russo had the Lionesses in front after five minutes, converting after a superb team move, before Georgia Stanway doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the second half.

The visitors pulled a goal back deep into added time but it was not enough to deny Wiegman's side the three points.

She said: "I'm happy with the result. I thought we started really well, played very well and we scored a goal, an incredible goal. The best goals are the goals that include many players so that was really good. 

"I think after that we created still a lot of chances but we should have played more in the pockets and more behind. I think we were sloppy at moments too. In the second half we also could have put it to bed and still had some very great moments. You would hope that we score some more goals.

"Of course I was very frustrated about their goal."

Getting us off the mark in style. ✨#Lionesses | @KINDSnacksUK pic.twitter.com/VqLpMsl4AO

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 12, 2024

Attentions now turn to the trip to Gothenburg to take on Sweden on Tuesday, with England knowing a point will be enough to book their place at next summer's tournament.

Wiegman said: "The team knows that's going to be a totally different game. It's a different opponent and they'll play a different system too. I thought the team was really aggressive and fresh today but of course there will be times we need to drop a little deeper.

"Sweden have to win so that's a different game. We'll get ready for that and we always know what we want to do better in the next game."