Barrett limps off as Ireland lose narrowly to France in first Euro 2025 qualifier

Amber Barrett made only a brief appearance as the Republic of Ireland WNT went down 1-0 to France in their opening Uefa Women's European Championship qualifier at the Stade Saint-Symphorien in Metz.

The Milford native came on as a substitute before being withdrawn nine minutes later on 73, with what looked like a muscle injury having spearheaded a breakaway in front of the 16,772 in attendance.

It means the Standard Fémina de Liège striker is a doubt for Tuesday’s home fixture against England at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Aston Villa’s Anna Patten played the full 90 minutes having gained international clearance to make her debut. The 24-year-old, born in Harpenden, St Albans, qualifies for Ireland through both her maternal grandparents: Donald Coyle, a native of Falcarragh and Bridie Coyle, nee Conroy, who hailed from Lettermore in Galway, who are the parents of Anna's mother, Paula Coyle.

Tyler Toland from St Johnston, who plays for Blackburn Rovers, was an unused substitute and Culdaff native Erin McLaughlin from Peamount United was also part of the travelling party.

Féminine club Paris Saint-Germain’s Antoinette Katoto scored the only goal of the game on six minutes for France, the side ranked third in the world.

Kenza Dali headed wide from a corner after the goal and then volleyed over, before, on 33 minutes, Sandie Toletti drew a smart save from Courtney Brosnan in the Irish goal. Ireland were fortunate not to go two down on 42 minutes when Grace Geyoro, with the net at her mercy, somehow dragged her shot wide.

Katie McCabe, the Irish captain, was playing in a more advanced, central role than her usual spot at left wing-back, drove wide 13 minutes in, although the first half ended 1-0 with France enjoying the bulk of possession and chances.

Substitute Eugenie Le Sommer forced Brosnan into another save midway through the second half, although Ireland were still clinging on to the single-goal deficit.

They would cause the French some awkward moments late on, mainly through McCabe free-kicks and Megan Campbell’s long throw-ins and with three minutes left Leanne Kiernan shot wide with McCabe in space in the middle. All in all, it was an encouraging performance from Ireland, particularly in the second half, following on from their fine end to 2023. In the other match in the group, England drew 1-1 with Sweden at Wembley.