Holloway Backs ‘No Fear’ Generation as NI Women Pursue Brazil Bid

Birmingham City defender Rebecca Holloway stands among the select few surviving members of the squad that first qualified Northern Ireland for a major tournament at Euro 2022.

Considerable changes have occurred within the squad since then, yet Holloway is focused on the future rather than resting on past accomplishments.

“It feels like a long time ago in a way, especially when you look at how much the squad has changed, but I think that’s also what is very exciting,” she said.

“It’s like a new generation coming through and I think it’s also important that we have some experienced players here to help those new faces. We’re excited to see what they can do and encourage them to play with confidence and freedom and do what they are good at.

“We’re slowly closing the gap on Portugal and the so-called bigger nations. They had a narrow 2-1 win over us at home in 2024 after a 4-0 away defeat, I think that shows that we are getting closer.”

For McArdle’s youthful side, inspiration on how to punch above their weight is readily available.

Since assembling at camp on Monday, the team observed Northern Ireland’s men’s side hold Georgia to a goalless draw.

The stalemate kept Michael O’Neill’s side atop their Nations League group after gathering eight points from four fixtures without conceding a goal.

“It was brilliant watching them play with such youth and energy and the exciting football that they are playing.

“This younger generation play with no fear and I think that is what the men’s senior team are doing.

“I am hoping the young players see that and we can adopt the same attitude. I think we were all watching thinking we can’t wait to do this on Friday.”

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