England’s Lauren Hemp Excited for Physical Challenge Against Republic of Ireland
After their tough draw against Sweden in the Euros qualifiers, England’s Lauren Hemp is looking forward to a physical test against the Republic of Ireland. The Lioness, aged 23, wants her team to strike fear in their rivals as they aim for their first win in the qualifiers for the 2025 Women’s Euros.
England is currently in third place in group one of League A after drawing 1-1 with Sweden in their first game. Hemp came close to scoring in the dying stages of the match at Wembley. Their opener ended with Fridolina Rolfo equalizing in the second half after Alessia Russo’s headed first-half goal.
Sarina Wiegman’s side now prepares for their clash with the Republic of Ireland. The team suffered a narrow 1-0 home loss to France. The result leaves them at the bottom of what has been called a “group of death” in the qualifiers for a place in next year’s Euros in Switzerland.
Only the top two teams from each group in League A are guaranteed automatic qualification for the tournament. Teams that finish outside those positions will have to battle for the remaining places through play-offs against national teams from Leagues C and B.
Looking ahead to their match at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, Hemp expressed her frustration with the draw against Sweden but remains optimistic about the upcoming game. She believes it will be a physical challenge but is confident that England can take on anyone.
The score draw against Sweden also saw Lotte Wubben-Moy make her first start under Wiegman in a Euros qualifier. Her Arsenal teammate Leah Williamson, who captained England to Euros glory two years ago, was named on the bench.
Wubben-Moy shared her disappointment with the result against Sweden but emphasized the importance of learning from the experience. She believes there were positives to take from the game and areas to improve on both individually and as a team.
The Republic of Ireland, led by stars like Arsenal’s Katie McCabe, suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to France. Currently at the bottom of their group, they face a tough challenge against England. Hemp hopes that opponents will fear the threat posed by her team, as they aim to maintain their status as European champions.
She wants England to be known as a hard-working and difficult team to beat. With opponents recognizing their strength, Hemp believes it will benefit them in the qualifiers and help them secure their place in the tournament.
As England plays in the qualifiers for the first time as contest champions, they are determined to win as many games as possible and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with. The Lionesses are eager to continue their success and prove themselves once again on the international stage.
In conclusion, Lauren Hemp and the England team are ready for a physical challenge against the Republic of Ireland. Despite their draw against Sweden, they remain optimistic about their chances and aim to secure their first win in the qualifiers for the 2025 Women’s Euros.