Beth Mead assisted her Arsenal and England teammate Alessia Russo to help the Lionesses beat the Republic of Ireland 2-1 in Norwich.

Georgia Stanway scored a second half penalty before Julie Ann-Russell pulled a goal back in the final minute of added time.

England moved five points clear of third-placed Sweden in League A Group 3.

Sweden’s defeat to France means the Lionesses need to avoid defeat in Gothenburg on Tuesday to qualify for next year’s Euros in Switzerland.

Russo gave England the lead in the fifth minute, collecting a first-time flick in behind by Mead and rounding Courtney Brosnan to find the net.

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— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 12, 2024

England controlled possession throughout against an Ireland side who were without their captain, Arsenal’s Katie McCabe, due to suspension.

The risk of suspension for England captain Leah Williamson, who was booked in the win over France, saw the Arsenal defender replaced at half-time. Mead and Russo would also be withdrawn in the second half.

Elsewhere, Spain (Laia Codina, Mariona Caldentey) and Denmark (Kathrine Kuhl) both secured qualification for Euro 2025 this evening.