On Wednesday night, the Republic of Ireland beat Latvia 3-2 at the Aviva Stadium in a warm-up game before their crucial match against France on Monday.
Ireland had several standout players in the victory over Latvia, including Brighton & Hove Albion sensation Evan Ferguson, Stoke City's Will Smallbone, and Celtic's tricky winger Mikey Johnston.
The game had its positives but also its negatives, as does every Ireland game under the leadership of head coach Stephen Kenny.
Ireland blew a 2-0 lead against a side ranked 133rd in the world but managed to secure the win in the end.
Dublin , Ireland - 22 March 2023; Republic of Ireland, Photo By Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images)A significant defensive improvement is needed for the challenge of facing Kylian Mbappe and France next week.
Ireland knows that winning against the three-time world champions could breathe life into their Euro 2024 qualification campaign.
This week, former Ireland midfielder Stephen Ireland kindly spared some time to speak with The Irish Post about Euro 2024 Odds t. He discussed the upcoming France game, his thoughts on the ongoing talk about Stephen Kenny's management, and his perspective on what success would look like for Ireland in their Euro 2024 group.
Stephen Ireland on Stephen Kenny: “Sacking him doesn't mean the grass will be greener.”
Much debate has revolved around whether Stephen Kenny is the right person to lead the Ireland team from now on.
After failing to qualify for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup finals with Ireland, Kenny's tenure must yield results in Euro 2024.
As of March 2023, Stephen Kenny's win percentage with Ireland is 29.03%, a figure that many believe should be much higher.
Many argue that the former League of Ireland manager should be given the opportunity to guide Ireland to the upcoming European Championship finals in Germany. Nevertheless, Ireland believes that his homeland should "persist with him and give him time."
"Personally, I like him. I like what he is trying to do. I like his staff," said Ireland to The Irish Post.
"He's been given time, but firing him doesn't guarantee that things will automatically improve.
"You have to grant him a few more years and observe whether it helps nurture these young Irish players.
"To be fair, it has been inconsistent and challenging, but that's the nature of the job for anyone who takes it on.
"I think you need to allow the younger players to establish themselves first and then assess him at the end of that period."
Ta' Qal , Malta - 20 November 2022; Evan Ferguson of Republic of Ireland, right, comes on as a substitute for team-mate Chiedozie Ogbene (Photo By Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images)Stephen Ireland on what Ireland can do to hurt France on Monday
Ireland faces an ominously arduous task against Didier Deschamps's side on Monday.
Deschamps has an exceptional record at the helm of the national team, with 89 wins, 28 draws, and 22 losses in 139 matches, resulting in 279 goals scored and 119 conceded.
Not only that, but the French also have some of the best players in the world at their disposal.
Across the field, they possess some of the finest talents globally. Among these players are the likes of Paris Saint-Germain's Mbappe, Atlético Madrid's Antoine Griezmann, Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, and many others.
Ireland's last victory over France dates back to a FIFA World Cup qualifying match on October 14, 1981.
Nevertheless, Ireland has delivered their best performances against stronger teams and has secured positive outcomes in the past.
Examples include Ireland versus Germany, where Shane Long's famous goal and Robbie Brady's header against Italy in Euro 2016 stand out.
Ireland believes this young Irish side has the mettle to succeed, but the task will be formidable.
"It's going to be tough, and they have a massive squad of talent. It is going to be a real tough game," Ireland added.
"Ireland, though, always has a knack for outfighting and outbattling opponents. They seem to find a way, especially in the second half of games.
"It's just about trying to frustrate them and keep them quiet. If Ireland can hold it at 0-0 in the last 15-20 minutes, they have a chance.
"There will be chances. There always are. It's about what you can do to keep France at bay, given their speed, power, and talent."
Stephen Ireland on what success would be for Ireland in the Euro 2024 qualifying group
Ireland has been drawn into a challenging Euro 2024 group alongside the Netherlands, France, Greece, and Gibraltar.
It's widely expected that Ireland will not advance from their group ahead of the Dutch and the French.
Former Manchester City star Ireland believes that it's high time his homeland started making it to major tournaments consistently.
"I mean, it's tough because the management has introduced new faces, and it's like they're experimenting a bit," the Cobh native added.
"For me, it's time for that experimental stage to take a backseat. I'd like to see him figure out his best team.
"I know the country wants to win and is craving success in tournament qualification.
"They've always been there and thereabouts, and there's always a chance, but they fall away at the last hurdle.
"So, yes, we need to be consistent. There's a style there, and I think it's time we start seeing results.
"I look at some countries and wonder, 'how are they there?' It's about time we got serious about reaching these significant tournaments."
Ireland's match against France kicks off at 7:45 pm.
You can watch the game live on RTE TWO
Some great moments for this young Irish team 🇮🇪
Focus: Monday 👀 pic.twitter.com/0kTD0hy2qs— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 23, 2023
