Aston Villa star dedicates France goal to late grandfather, whose passing pushed her to declare for Ireland
The former Arsenal defender played in two underage World Cups for England, before declaring for Ireland earlier this year.
Anna Patten has dedicated her first senior international goal to her late grandfather, whose passing last year led her to push to declare for Ireland. London-born Patten represented England at underage level and played at two World Cups - for the Under-17s and Under-20s.
Her switch to the Girls in Green was confirmed earlier this year when she was called up for the start of the Euro 2025 qualification campaign. Already the Aston Villa and former Arsenal star has established herself as a key part of Eileen Gleeson’s defence.
And on Tuesday night against France in Páirc Uí Chaoimh she scored her first goal in Irish colours when she headed home Megan Connolly’s 90th minute corner to wrap up a sensational 3-1 win.
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Patten said her mum was in the crowd on Tuesday and described her presence as “an amazing feeling.”
The 25-year-old added: “She just goes to me there, ‘I can’t stop laughing and crying, I don’t know what emotions to feel!’.
“That was really big having her here. Her name is Paula. Irish connections on her side - both my grandparents were born in Ireland.
“My Grandad actually, he passed away last year and is a huge reason why I wanted to come and represent Ireland. That goal is dedicated to him. He’s my inspiration.”
The win against France meant Ireland avoided a clean sweep of defeats in the toughest imaginable group - with Sweden and England also involved.
And it guaranteed the Girls in Green a place on the seeded side of tomorrow’s Euro 2025 play-off draw in Nyon - meaning they will avoid having to face a League A team en-route to Switzerland next summer.
Patten’s goal secured the win after Ireland raced into a two-goal second-half lead, only to concede in the 79th minute.
“It relieved a bit of pressure so I’m glad that I could sneak that header in at the end and top off the win,” she said.
“It means so much, to be honest. Putting on the green jersey every game means a lot to me but to score that goal meant everything.
“I really enjoyed it. I’ve really been enjoying playing on the right side (of defence), I think that’s where I feel more at home.
“Being able to give everything, this jersey means so much. I really enjoyed the game.
“It’s just such a good stepping stone for us now going into the play-offs knowing that we can beat anyone and get ourselves to Switzerland next year, which really is the goal.”
Patten admitted it was a baptism of fire, coming into a team ahead of a campaign against three of the top six ranked nations in the world.
From the opener away to France to Tuesday night in Cork, the centre-half said she saw improvements in the team as each game passed.
“I’m just so glad we have a win. I don’t think many people would say that their first six games were against those types of opponents,” she said.
“But that’s what you want. You want to play against the best - you’ve got to beat the best to be the best.
“It’s been unbelievable being part of these qualifiers, I hope to step on now - get a few more games, a few more wins and get ourselves to Switzerland.”
Patten added: “We’ve learned from each game, how to progress from each game to take something new into the next.
“Like I said, we were creating chances and it was all about that final pass and today it all worked, and we finished a few.”
Julie-Ann Russell became the story of this international window after she bridged a four-year absence from the international scene by winning caps 61 and 62 - and scoring in both games against England and France.
Her story was all the more remarkable considering she gave birth only last year.
“Julie is an incredible player, but more importantly, an incredible person,” said Patten.
“It’s been so refreshing having her and baby Rosie - and Kieran obviously! He’s there every meal time as well.
“She just puts a smile on all our faces - if you’ve had a bad training session, you can come in and see baby Rosie and it just cheers you up!
“What a player. Her work ethic is unbelievable, I don’t know how she runs that much. It’s insane.
“Exactly what we need in games like this and she deserves both those goals. Her performances have been incredible.”
As for the draw on Friday, Patten said: “I’ll be watching that very closely. Just so glad we’re seeded and I think we’re ready to meet anyone when we come up against them.”
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