Northern Ireland Aims for New Heights as They Reflect on Euro 2022 Success
Monday, 13 April marked a significant milestone for Northern Ireland, commemorating five years since their historic qualification for the Euro 2022 finals. This momentous occasion saw them triumph over Ukraine and defy the odds to secure a place in their first major tournament, which occurred the following year in England. Currently, only nine of the original 23 players from that squad are still part of the team for the ongoing World Cup campaign. This number is expected to increase to ten with the return of influential captain and key striker Simone Magill, who is set to come back after expecting her first child later this spring. A notable transformation has taken place in the squad, with the average age dropping from 26.7 to 25.2, and the average caps decreasing from 42.3 to 28.4. Following the end of Kenny Shiels' tenure and that of his successor Tanya Oxtoby, Michael McArdle will take charge for the first time in Tuesday's match against Malta. Defender Rebecca McKenna remains a steadfast presence, nearing her 60th cap at just 25 years old. Reflecting on the past, she stated, "Qualifying for the Euros five years ago... made us hungrier." As they remember their Euro 2022 journey, Northern Ireland is now focused on the future, particularly with the new qualification format for the 2027 World Cup, which requires them to outperform at least two higher-ranked teams. After initial defeats by Switzerland and Turkey, the squad aims to kickstart their campaign against Malta at Mourneview Park. McKenna emphasizes the team's long-term aspirations: "We got a taste of being on the big stage... we all want to qualify for another major tournament." With a strong sense of trust and camaraderie, the team hopes to achieve their goals step by step.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-04-13