England had the better of possession in a tight first half but struggled to break down a well organised Ireland defence, coming closest when Ellen White was denied by a smothering save from Michelle Byrne.

At the other end, striker Stephanie Roche was proving a handful after coming on as an early substitute and twice went close before half time, forcing a save from Helen Alderson as well as a snapshot on the turn which was just off target.

After the break, Alderson kept England on level terms with a superb point blank save, coming off her line to foil Michelle Glynn as she latched onto Roche's flick.

England responded with Kate Longhurst unlucky to see an overhead kick go just wide from Katie Owen's cross, but again they found it difficult to create chances despite the industrious efforts of the impressive Lizzie Edwards.

Jade Moore showed some neat touches after coming on as a substitute and she tested Byrne from long range, and White sent a difficult left foot volley just wide from Georgina Giddings' deflected pass.

Longhurst saw another shot saved by Byrne from Moore's pass but Ireland dug in determinedly during the closing stages to earn themselves a deserved draw.

After the game, England coach Lois Fidler said: "I am pleased overall with the performance. We had a team with three debutants and it was a great opportunity to give these players a chance.

"If you get the preparation right, the results will take care of themselves. The players got a chance to play in front of a home crowd, sing the national anthem and experience what playing for England is all about.

"We are really pleased with the attendance - it is good to see people turning out for the women's game, especially youngsters, and we hope they will come again. The players really appreciate it."

England's next match is tomorrow night against Holland at Forest Green Rovers, and Lois is relishing the match, saying: "It should be a great game. The Dutch are an emerging nation in women's football as we have seen recently at U19 and Senior level, and it is another great opposition for the girls."