Katie McCabe delivered when it mattered most on Tuesday, volleying a stunning effort into the bottom right corner to hand Republic of Ireland a crucial 3-2 victory away to Poland in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

The Arsenal skipper was involved from start to finish, completing the full 90 minutes as Ireland climbed to third place in Group B with their maiden qualifying win of the campaign.

McCabe took to Instagram postgame with a clear focus: “All about the three points tonight. Big one Saturday, see you at the Aviva.”

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Lionesses Dominate Spain at Wembley
Over at Wembley, England made it three wins from three in Group C with a 1-0 result against Spain. Alessia Russo produced a clever assist for Lauren Hemp’s opener in just the third minute, scooping the ball forward while off balance.

Lotte Wubben-Moy also went the full 90 minutes for the Lionesses, who now sit three points clear of Spain at the summit. Chloe Kelly came on late in proceedings, while Beth Mead and Taylor Hinds were unused substitutes.

Leah Williamson was absent from the matchday squad entirely.

Dutch Delight and More Qualifying Drama
Netherlands edged France 2-1 at home to move to the top of Group B, with Daphne van Domselaar playing the full match and Victoria Pelova contributing 71 minutes.

Norway cruised to a 5-0 win over Slovenia in Group D, with Frida Maanum on the pitch for 68 minutes. Sweden suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Denmark, leaving them third in Group A.

In the FIFA Series, Olivia Smith played 60 minutes as Canada beat Korea Republic 3-1, building on their earlier 4-0 win over Zambia in which she set up Annabelle Chukwu’s goal.

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Mary Earps was honoured before kick-off at Wembley prior to England’s World Cup qualifier against Spain on Tuesday night.

The ceremony came just months after her explosive autobiography and its criticism of Hannah Hampton and Sarina Wiegman which had caused controversy within the women’s game.

There were concerns the pre match ceremony would be overshadowed by the fallout from Earps’ book. However the former England goalkeeper walked out to huge cheers which demonstrated the fans had moved on from the controversy surrounding her retirement.

Euro 2022 Winner Posed for Photos

Earps posed for photos with her parents as FA chair Debbie Hewitt presented her with a bouquet of flowers and a framed shirt. Leah Williamson sprinted towards her while Lucy Bronze put an arm around her which showed the strong bonds remain between the players.

The 34 year old reminisced about her favourite memory of all time playing at Wembley where she helped win the European Championship four years ago. Over eight years she won 53 caps, won one major tournament and reached the final of another which is absolutely brilliant.

Hampton Made Remarkable 90th Minute Save

Hampton made a remarkable 90th minute save to ensure England held firm at Wembley after Lauren Hemp’s early strike. Keira Walsh hailed an unbelievable goalkeeper while Fran Kirby admitted Hampton had come into this camp with question marks around her form.

The Chelsea stopper has looked short of confidence in the Women’s Super League recently. However this performance should boost her belief heading into the remainder of the season which is frankly exactly what she needed.

Wiegman had urged fans beforehand to applaud rather than jeer Earps. She need not have worried as both parties have moved on and finally made peace.

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Chelsea’s Lexi Potter and Chloe Sarwie were both named in the starting XI as England Under 23s progressed to the final of the WU23 European Competition with a 1-0 win over the Netherlands on Monday.

Blues goalkeeper Katie Cox who is currently on loan at Aberdeen was also named on the bench for the semi final clash which took place at the Murcia Stadium.

London City Lionesses striker Isobel Goodwin bagged the only goal of the game while Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating made a crucial save in the final stages to preserve the clean sheet which sent England through to the final.

Potter Played Opening 74 Minutes

Midfielder Potter who has made three starts and nine substitute appearances for the Chelsea first team this season played the opening 74 minutes of the semi final. She was substituted for Everton’s Laila Harbert as England managed the game in the closing stages which demonstrates her growing importance at international level.

The midfielder has been a regular feature in Sonia Bompastor’s squad this campaign. Her performances for Chelsea have been rewarded with consistent selection for the Under 23s which showcases her development trajectory under the French coach.

Sarwie Earns Player of Match Award

Sarwie earned the Player of the Match award for her efforts at left wing back which is absolutely brilliant recognition. The 17 year old made a key intervention in the second half to snuff out a Netherlands attempt while also contributing in attack with her forward runs.

The defender made her first Chelsea start against London City Lionesses on March 21 and has made a further five substitute appearances under Bompastor. Those contributions have been recognised on the international stage as the teenager has been made a key member of the Under 23 squad playing above her age category which highlights her exceptional talent.

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