Eileen Gleeson hopeful of Aviva Stadium bid as date against England looms

Republic of Ireland head coach Eileen Gleeson has a tough campaign ahead. Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

David Kelly

Ireland are optimistic that they can secure lucrative Aviva dates for their star-studded Euro 2025 qualifiers after Eileen Gleeson’s side were pitted with three of the world’s top five women’s soccer nations.

Yesterday’s Nyon draw pitched Ireland, world ranked 24, in the toughest pool possible, with reigning champions and World Cup runners-up England (4) headlining a four-team Group A3 that also includes Olympic runners-up Sweden (5) and last week’s Nations League runners-up France (3).