Lionesses aim to go three from three in the Group Stage as they take on Northern Ireland

England’s emphatic 8-0 victory over Norway sent shockwaves through the tournament, and now Sarina Wiegman’s side look to mathematically confirm top spot with a game against the already eliminated Green and White Army at St.Mary’s Stadium.

The latest edition of the Women’s Euros has provided goals, entertainment and controversy galore. However, perhaps nothing can top England breaking the record for the biggest ever win across men’s and women’s Euro tournaments. Beth Mead  continued in the form of her life as she bagged a hat trick, whilst the ever reliable Ellen White got herself a brace as the Lionesses decimated a disconsolate Norwegian outfit. 

For Northern Ireland, even being at the tournament itself is a tremendous achievement, but it has been a baptism of fire of sorts as they have come up against full time professionals playing at some of the worlds top clubs. 

Following their 4-1 loss to Norway, Kenny Shiels’ side put in a battling effort as they lost out by 2-0 against Austria, effectively eliminating them from the competition. England’s win over Norway confirmed that Northern Ireland would exit at the Group Stage in their first ever major tournament. 

There were, however, signs of improvement from the ‘Girls in green and white’ as they frustrated the Austrians for around 70 minutes until the eventual killer blow came from Katharina Naschenweng. 

Whilst this is a dead rubber as far as Northern Ireland are concerned on paper, there will be no shortage of motivation when playing England, least so when the Lionesses are the tournament hosts. If Northern Ireland were to get the unlikely win, it would be one of the greatest upsets in Women’s Euros history, and arguably sporting history. 

However, should Wiegman chose to rest players, Northern Ireland could see the playing fields levelled. England have already qualified for the Quarter-Finals, and bar a heavy loss and/or a thrashing in the Austria Norway clash, are guaranteed to emerge as group winners. 

Though with the level headed tenacity of Wiegman’s approach to coaching, one would suspect that the entire squad will be well drilled into avoiding complacency and maintaining the ruthless streak they displayed against Norway. 

Whether Northern Ireland will opt to give some players who have not yet featured at the tournament could also have a bearing on the competitiveness of the encounter, with Southampton’s Laura Rafferty yet to take the field at the home of her club side in Northern Irish colours. 

A near sellout crowd expected, and glorious weather forecasted, everything points towards a sensational occasion with some huge support for both sides involved. 

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