Headed goals from Savannah McCarthy and Keeva Keenan cancelled out England’s opener as Ireland logged their second successive victory in this tournament ahead of meeting Sweden on Monday night.

Determined to get off to a good start and build on last Tuesday’s win over Spain, Dave Connell’s team started with purpose and their clever play stretched their opponents in midfield.

Focused on their game-plan, Ireland were patient in their play and explosive on the counter attack with Claire Shine, Sarah Rowe and Katie McCabe regularly breaking beyond the English backline.

It was encouraging play with Amy O’Connor, Lauren Dwyer, and Megan Connolly doing a fantastic job in midfield linking with the forward players and shutting down opposition attacks.

Yet, it was England who scored the first goal on 36 minutes. A break down the right saw Millie Turner chip a cross into Claudia Walker who headed past keeper Brooke Dunne from close range.

Ireland got back level when McCarthy powered her way past two defenders to meet Connolly’s delivery from a corner kick and head in at the far post.

Pic: @sueronan

Even after Shine went off with a neck injury Ireland continued to improve and substitute Keeva Keenan followed McCarthy’s example by getting on the end of a set-piece from Connolly, to head her country into lead with four minutes to go.

England crashed a shot off the crossbar late on, but this was a deserved win and Ireland are now on six points with one group game left to play with the knockout stages in sight.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Dunne; Wright, O’Connell, McCarthy, Mustaki (Keenan 69); O’Connor, Dwyer, Connolly; Rowe, Shine (Nolan 75), McCabe.

ENGLAND: Baggaley; Mills, Bartrip, Sampson, Ayane; Cusack, Turner (Steele 75), Dear; Mayling, Walker, Humphrey (Haines 75).

REFEREE: Anastasia Pustovoitova (Russia).