Overview
- Littlejohn is in the travelling squad and training in Grenoble ahead of Tuesday’s winner‑takes‑all qualifier against France for a place at the 2027 World Cup.
- Following Friday’s 3-2 win over the Netherlands, Littlejohn played a planned 45 minutes and produced the defence‑splitting pass that set up Kyra Carusa’s opening goal.
- Manager Carla Ward has publicly defended the selection, likening Littlejohn’s dressing‑room influence to Séamus Coleman and saying experienced players raise standards.
- Critics note Littlejohn was released by Crystal Palace after limited club minutes this season and has managed a long‑running Achilles issue, facts she and Ward say factor into her planned game time.
- Littlejohn has rejected suggestions she is finished, said she is open to retirement or a media career after football, and Ireland already hold a seeded play‑off place if they fail to beat France.