If it was rugby we'd be heading into a decent game right now, however it is football and cannot see anything but a comfortable French win, either 2 or 3-0.

Cullen starts alongside ex-Claret Nathan Collins with Obafemi on the bench and Hendrick on the bench as well.

Cullen facing a midfield battle with Camavinga, Rabiot and Griezmann, not a bad test for him.

Ekdal also starting tonight for Sweden at home to Azerbaijan.

Clear yellow card for Cullen but not given.

1-0 France, poor mistake from Cullen

France leading 1-0 with a superb strike from Pavard, very undeserved, Ireland been well on top, just struggling with a final bit of quality.

It is insane that some of our players are on International duty tonight or tomorrow then having to be fit and ready to go on Friday evening. Most won’t be back at the club until Thursday. Madness

claretburns wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 27, 2023 7:50 pm

Ekdal also starting tonight for Sweden at home to Azerbaijan.

I noticed Ekdal came off at half time. He got a blow to the face in the first half, could it have been that? Hopefully ok for Friday

Dodobdobodobo wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 27, 2023 9:33 pm

I noticed Ekdal came off at half time. He got a blow to the face in the first half, could it have been that? Hopefully ok for Friday

Yes, forced off with head injury, they didn't want to risk him which is sensible.

If he is not fit for Friday hopefully we'll have THB back and fit so we should have cover.

A creditable display by Ireland, however yet again their lack of a cutting edge proving costly.

2 stunning saves by the French keeper in the dying moments mind you to seal the win.

Just so close last night to taking a point .

Now if that Collins header went in the whole ground would have exploded , it was a top class atmosphere last night i have to say .