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Tuesday, May 5, 2026

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England beat Northern Ireland in opener

Northern Ireland 0 England 2

England secured a 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland in the opening match of Group A at the UEFA Women’s Under-17 European Championship 2026 on Monday afternoon at Inver Park.

Phoebe De Bohan scored twice for the visitors, with goals in each half, as England claimed all three points in front of a crowd of just over 800 spectators.

The tournament, hosted by the Irish FA across Northern Ireland over the next two weeks, got underway with a contest that showcased England’s dominance in possession against a determined and well organised home side.

England controlled much of the early play but found Northern Ireland’s defence difficult to break down. Cairo-Eva Antoine struck the post from a tight angle, while Bryony-Rose Brodie also hit the woodwork with a low drive. Freya Hirons had a goal disallowed for offside as the visitors pressed for an opener.

The breakthrough arrived in the 29th minute when De Bohan bundled home the ball following a cross from Antoine that Northern Ireland failed to clear cleanly. The hosts continued to battle, with Emilee Leacock causing problems on the break, but England maintained their advantage heading into half time.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with England pushing forward and Northern Ireland defending resolutely. Substitute Mia Dixon went close with a header, before De Bohan sealed the result in the 82nd minute. After her initial effort was saved by Northern Ireland goalkeeper Ifeoma Agoha, the forward calmly converted the rebound following excellent work from fellow substitute Chelsea N’Drin.

Agoha produced a fine late save to deny N’Drin and keep the scoreline respectable, but England ran out comfortable winners. The other group match meanwhile finished in a 3-1 victory for Germany against Norway.  

Gail Redmond’s side will look to bounce back when they face Norway on Thursday 7th May at Coleraine Showgrounds (kick off 6pm), whilst England take on Germany, again at Inver Park (3pm).  

Northern Ireland: Ifeoma Agoha, Daisy Moore (sub Siun Kirby 57mins), Holly Hilton (sub Grace Steele 85mins), Sara Devany, Chloe Beckinsale, Mirjana Karrabecaj, Emilee Leacock (sub Zion Donnan 74mins), Heidi Curran, Abbie Smyth (sub Anna Rose Robinson 85mins), Charlotte Havern, Maja Stachura (sub Sydney Wilson 45mins). Subs not used: Sophie Glover, Leah Hepburn, Ellie McGarrigle, Ava Hurl.

England: Victoria Rudz, Maisie Brickell, Katie Scott (sub Zoe Ciccardini 45mins), Isabella Cowley, Lucy Robinson, Gabriella Storey, Cairo-Eva Antoine, Bryony-Rose Brodie (sub Mia Dixon 45mins), Freya Hirons (sub Chelsea N’Drin 64mins), Kyri Teer-Hutchins (sub Sophia Burton 45mins), Phoebe De Bohan (sub Abbie Jones 87mins). Subs not used: Evie Mitchell, Romia Gagliano, Lottie Day.