After winning each of their final six games of 2023, the Republic of Ireland have failed to win all six of their games in 2024, losing each of the last five (D1) – it’s their worst losing streak since June 2021 (7 in a row).

England lost 2-1 in their most recent home game against France in May, suffering just their second such loss under Sarina Wiegman (W15 D6).

They haven’t lost back-to-back matches on home soil since losing each of Phil Neville’s final three home games in charge of the Lionesses in 2019.

Since conceding in their first ever meeting with the Republic of Ireland in May 1978, England have recorded six clean sheets in a row against the Girls in Green, only ever going more consecutive games without conceding against Scotland (nine games, 1989 – 2001), Northern Ireland (eight games, 1986 – 2022) and Austria eight games, 2006-2022).

Sarina Wiegman has made three changes to the England side who beat France in June. Manchester United defender Maya Le Tissier starts, replacing Lucy Bronze at right-back.

Alex Greenwood comes in for Millie Bright and Jess Park replaces Ella Toone.

England XI: Hampton, Le Tissier, Carter, Walsh, Williamson, Greenwood, Mead, Stanway, Russo, Park, Hemp.

Republic of Ireland XI: Brosnan, Fahey, Littlejohn, Barrett, O’Sullivan, Ziu, Patten, Mannion, Hayes, Agg, Murphy.

“It’s nice to play here. We’ve played here once before in the Arnold Cup against Spain and it’s nice to be back. The pitch looks really good so I’m really looking forward to [tonight] when it’s sold out and hopefully we can give everyone a very good evening.”

Manchester United defender Aoife Mannion says the Republic of Ireland have “high expectations” heading into tonight’s match but know they need to be wary of England’s threat.

“We don’t want to concede and we want to pick up a result. We are taking this game as seriously as we possibly can,” said Mannion.

“England are an incredible team and are defending European champions. They got to the final of the last World Cup. That makes for an exciting match.”

Republic of Ireland have conceded four or more times on all three of their previous away trips to face England with this their first such visit since April 1986, losing 4-0 at Elm Park in a European Championship qualifier.

The Lionesses, who were successful in their quest for European glory two summers ago, gathered in Norwich ahead of their own Euro 2025 qualifier with the Republic of Ireland to watch their male counterparts in the semi-final on Wednesday night.

Asked if she has any “advice” for the men’s team ahead of the final, Wiegman said Southgate’s side know “exactly what they want to do” and urged the Three Lions to “bring it home”.

Republic of Ireland boss Eileen Gleeson says she is pleased with her team’s progress throughout qualification despite failing to win a match.

“Everybody knew how difficult the group would be when the draw was done. We knew it would bring different challenges because of the difference in world rankings,” said Gleeson.

“But each game has brought some really positive performances from us. That’s what we’re trying to develop.

“We have never thought there’s nothing to lose because we’re trying to get a seeded place [in the play-off draw]. The value of goal difference is huge.

“It’s also huge for England because they are currently sitting third in the group. There is a lot to lose. We want the guaranteed seeded place.”