It was another milestone moment for Lucy Bronze.
Her 121st England appearance last night, in the 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland, drew her level with Steph Houghton as her country’s seventh most-capped female player. Yet questions remain as to whether the 32-year-old is more of a hindrance than a help to the Lionesses in the long term.
The trip to Dublin’s Aviva Stadium ultimately proved routine for Sarina Wiegman’s side. This was a game which had to yield three points, given England’s Euros qualifying group — which also features France and Sweden — is not going to be easy. Only the top two sides are guaranteed a spot in Switzerland next summer, even if the third- and fourth-placed nations will still get play-off opportunities.
But having gone two goals up early on, courtesy of Lauren James’ 12th-minute and Alex Greenwood’s 18th-minute penalty, England’s superior quality shone through, even if Ireland pushed them towards the end of the match.
Wiegman made five changes to the starting XI from Friday’s 1-1 draw against Sweden but it was notable who kept their place. The front three of Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo, and James remained, as did Keira Walsh at the base of midfield and Greenwood.
And there, at right-back, was Bronze. The Barcelona defender’s…
