O’Dowda’s Ireland beaten by France

The City attacker was named in Martin O’Neill’s starting line-up and completed 70 minutes in torrential rain at the Stade de France.

The hosts ran out comfortable 2-0 winners as their preparations continue to intensify ahead of the World Cup, but it took until the 40^th minute for them to find the breakthrough.

Olivier Giroud rose highest to connect with Nabil Fekir’s corner and after seeing two attempts cleared off the line by Seamus Coleman, the Chelsea forward bundled in the opener from close range to give France a deserved lead.

Roared on by a boisterous crowd, the home side doubled their advantage two minutes later when Fekir surged forward, shifted the ball on to his weaker right foot and beat the blushing Colin Doyle, who failed to make a routine save.

O’Dowda and his teammates will now return to Ireland and prepare for their final match of the season when they host the United States at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday (June 2^nd, 8pm kick-off).