Lauren James opened the scoring during a 2-0 win for the European champions in Dublin, sweeping home after 12 minutes when finding space in the box after a Keira Walsh cross.

It was the forwards' second goal involvement of this international break, having created Alessia Russo's goal in England's 1-1 draw with Sweden last Friday.

Defender Jess Carter also started in the Lionesses' win, while Fran Kirby came off the bench during the second half. Blues keeper Hannah Hampton was given the nod between the sticks, winning her fourth cap, and keeping a clean sheet in the process.

James was replaced by Chloe Kelly in the 86th minute as England saw out the win. Niamh Charles was an unused substitute for the Lionesses.

Despite England's win, France top Group A3 as they made it two wins from two with a 1-0 triumph over Sweden.

Blues winger Johanna Rytting Kaneryd played the full 90 minutes for Sweden, while goalkeeper Zecira Musovic was on the bench.

Eve Perisset appeared as a substitute for the French during the closing stages as they saw the game out, with Wendie Renard's goal less than 10 minutes from time securing the tight victory.

Sophie Ingle enjoyed a big win in her first game for Wales since stepping down as national captain on Sunday.

Wales secured an emphatic 6-0 win in Kosovo, with Ingle completing the full 90 minutes in midfield and going close to scoring with a close-range volley that only narrowly cleared the crossbar.

Elsewhere on the continent, Guro Reiten's Norway had a tough night, beaten 1-0 away in the Netherlands in their qualifying group. Reiten once again captained her country and played the full 90 minutes, picking up a yellow card along the way.

It was a better night for Germany duo Sjoeke Nusken and Ann-Katrin Berger, who both started in their 3-1 win over Iceland. Nusken was withdrawn in the 65th minute for the eight-time European champions.

Elsewhere, Erin Cuthbert played a crucial role in Scotland's return to winning ways, with a 1-0 victory over Slovakia at Hampden Park. Cuthbert played the full 90 minutes in Glasgow, capping off an energetic display by setting up the winning goal, scored by defender Sophie Howard.

And Cuthbert wasn't the only Blue to pick up three points in qualification Group B2, with Jelena Cankovic playing 83 minutes for Serbia as they won 4-2 away in Israel.