World Cup qualifiers: ‘We have nothing to lose’ against France – Barrett

Republic of Ireland striker Amber Barrett says the team are “going to give it our all” when they have the chance to secure automatic qualification for the World Cup against France on Tuesday.

Barrett came off the bench in the 76th minute Scored the winner In front of over 12,000 spectators against the Netherlands in the closing stages of the match in Cork.

Now, Carla Ward’s side travel to Grenoble to face group-topping France with a chance to secure back-to-back World Cup spots.

Even if they draw or lose, they will fall back from a seeded play-off spot, but Barrett insisted they are going to get the job done on Tuesday.

“We have nothing to lose,” Barrett told RTE after the game.

“When we started the group, what everyone was looking at was not finishing fourth. We got away tonight and we’ve got nothing to lose on Tuesday, we’re going to give it everything we’ve got.

“Whatever happens, we have playoffs in October and December.”

Laurent Bonaday’s side won 2-1 against the Republic of Ireland at Tallaght Stadium in March.

Barrett added that despite the team being unbeaten in three “cup finals”, they will not underestimate the French.

“Before, if you were 2-2 against the Netherlands, you’d probably rub your hands together and say ‘we’ll take it’, but as Carla (Ward) said from the start of the week, let everyone know we’re going to win the game.

“Tuesday is a cup final. Against the Netherlands, we were up for it and we were trying to win that game, no doubt.

“It’s a massive game on Tuesday, we’ll enjoy tonight but we’re not taking the French for granted, they’re an unbelievable side. Recover, get ready and go again.”