June Internationals: Larkin's Ireland end their Nations League campaign in style

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4 Jun 2025

June brought a dramatic end to the UEFA Nations League group stage, with Ireland and Finland reaching the play-offs for League A, Wales being relegated from the top tier, and Denmark securing their League A status. Meanwhile, Allyson Swaby’s Jamaica took on the USA in Missouri.

Republic of Ireland

Abbie Larkin

It was a very successful international break for Abbie Larkin, as Ireland managed to win their final two Nations League games in League B.

She first started in Ireland's comeback win in Istanbul, with Emily Murphy's late winner sealing an impressive 2-1 victory away from home.

Larkin played 60 minutes on the right-wing before being replaced by Saoirse Noonan.

She then started on the left-wing against Slovenia and played 80 minutes, with Noonan's goal in the 19th minute earning Ireland a 1-0 win in Cork.

Because Slovenia ended with a superior head-to-head record, Ireland finished second in Group 2 and will not be automatically promoted.

Instead, Carla Ward's team will face a third-placed team from the top tier in a play-off to compete for a place in League A.

Finland

Ria Öling & Milla-Maj Majasaari

Despite a win and a draw in the Nations League, Finland missed an opportunity for automatic promotion to League A.

It was a great start for Ria Öling and Finland, as the Boreal Owls first beat Belarus 3-0 in Hungary.

Öling started and laid on an assist for Sanni Franssi's goal in the eighth minute, as Finland proved too much for their League B opponents.

Milla-Maj Majasaari was an unused substitute in both games, but Öling started again in the 1-1 draw against Serbia, before being replaced in the 66th minute.

Finland needed a win against Serbia to gain automatic qualification to League A, but like Ireland, they will now have to win their playoff game in October to compete in League A next season.

Wales

Josie Green, Elise Hughes & Lily Woodham

Wales ended their Nations League campaign with two defeats, losing first to Denmark and then to Italy.

The 1-0 defeat to Denmark in Odense confirmed their relegation from League A in the Nations League.

The Dragons then hosted Italy in Swansea for their final game of the competition, and were defeated 4-1 by Le Azzurre.

Josie Green, Elise Hughes and Lily Woodham started against Denmark, with Pernille Harder's goal proving the difference between the sides.

Green and Woodham also started against Italy, with Hughes entering the field in the 46th minute as Rhian Wilkinson looked to her bench to make a difference.

Despite the Nations League disappointment, Wales will have Euro 2025 to look forward to in July, as the Dragons participate in the competition for the first time in their history.

Denmark

Katrine Veje & Mille Gejl

Denmark had a mixed end to their Nations League campaign, first beating Wales in Odense before then losing heavily to Sweden in the final game.

Their 1-0 win over Wales secured their place in League A of the Nations League and also gave them a chance to finish top of their group.

De Rød-Hvide did not take their chance however, as they went on to lose 6-1 in Stockholm.

Katrine Veje managed to start in both games and keep a clean sheet against Wales.

Mille Gejl entered the field late on against Wales but was not brought on against Sweden.

Like Wales, Denmark's focus will now turn to preparations for Euro 2025.

Jamaica

Allyson Swaby

Wednesday 4th June saw Jamaica travel to Energizer Park in St Louis, Missouri, for a friendly against Emma Hayes' USA.

Swaby started in what was a 4-0 defeat to the four-time World Cup winners, with Ally Sentnor and Lynn Biyendolo each scoring a brace.

The Reggae Girlz will next travel to Leicester for a friendly against England at the King Power Stadium on the 29th June.

Photos courtesy of FA Wales and FA Ireland.

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