Northern Ireland's Oxtoby Gears Up Squad for Euro 2025 Playoff Triumph

Northern Ireland manager Tanya Oxtoby is gearing up her squad for an exciting challenge as they prepare for a crucial Euro 2025 play-off first-round tie against Croatia this autumn. Oxtoby, who took on the role in September 2023, is optimistic about the "momentum and positivity" within her team as they aim to secure a spot in the European Championship. The Northern Irish side, seeded in League B Nations, finished second in their qualifying group behind Portugal, showcasing strong performances with three wins and a draw out of six fixtures. Their recent victories over Malta and Bosnia-Herzegovina have instilled confidence in the team as they head into the play-off showdown. Speaking about the upcoming fixtures, Oxtoby expressed her satisfaction with the draw against Croatia, emphasizing the need for the team to maintain their current form and continue to challenge themselves. The first leg will see Northern Ireland on the road on 23 October, with the return leg scheduled to take place at home a week later. Despite being ranked 48th in the FIFA rankings, eight places above Croatia, Oxtoby emphasized that rankings won't dictate the outcome of the play-offs. She stressed the importance of executing on match days and focusing on their own performance rather than external factors. Looking ahead, the winners of the tie will face either Norway or Albania in the second round of the play-offs. Oxtoby revealed plans to consult with Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson, who led her team to the top of the qualifying group that included Croatia, to gather insights and tips for the upcoming matches. As the team continues to grow and evolve, Oxtoby highlighted the progress made by her squad, acknowledging the challenges of transitioning while striving for results. With the ultimate goal of reaching the European Championship, the manager expressed the team's determination and belief in their abilities to succeed in the play-offs. The next stage of the play-offs is set for 27 November and 3 December, with Northern Ireland focused on taking each match as it comes and giving their all to secure a coveted spot in the Euros. The team's journey, marked by resilience and improvement, reflects their commitment to achieving success on the international stage.