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Euro 2025: Wales qualify as Scotland, Ireland, NI miss out

Wales secured a place in their first major tournament after defeating the Republic of Ireland 2-1 in Dublin on Tuesday to win the tie 3-2 on aggregate, but Scotland and Northern Ireland have both missed out on a place at Euro 2025.

Wales join England in the summer tournament in Switzerland as the only other home nation to qualify.

Seattle Reign FC's Jess Fishlock told the BBC: "I can't put it into words. This is 20 years in the making. I wouldn't change a second of it. This is by far the proudest moment of my life."

Wales were drawn to face Ireland in the second round of playoffs after both sides won their respective first rounds.

The teams were locked level 1-1 in the first leg, but Wales took an early lead in the second leg after Hannah Cain netted from the spot and substitute Carrie Jones extended Wales' lead.

Ireland's Anna Patten managed to claw a consolation goal back in the 88th minute, but it was not enough, and Wales secured their place in their first major tournament with a 3-1 aggregate win.

Manager Rhian Wilkinson said: "This is a special team. This team found a way. They never broke for each other, they stayed strong. I've never been prouder of a team. This team stands on the shoulder of giants who came before, and now they've proven how good they are.

"They're better than they think and they just have to see it and live it and experience it.

"Those boys and girls back home are seeing a generation of football that's going to change everything."

Northern Ireland, who were drawn into the Lionesses' group in 2022, were defeated 7-0 on aggregate by Norway, whose place was all but secured after a dominant 4-0 first-leg victory.

Scotland have now failed to qualify for three major tournaments in a row after failing to reach the Euros 2025, Euro 2022 and the 2023 Women's World Cup. They came agonisingly close to a place in Switzerland after a 0-0 first leg against Finland; however, they were defeated 2-0 in the second leg, resulting in a third failed qualifying campaign.

"We're all just gutted. It's hard to make sense of it now," Angel City midfielder Claire Emslie told BBC Scotland.

"But we gave it everything the whole campaign. We're just gutted at the moment. We'll reflect on it later and learn from it but it's a sore one. This is the third campaign we haven't done it. It's just tough."

The draw for the 2025 Euros will take place on Dec. 16, where Wales and reigning champions England will find out their groups for the summer tournament.