“We’ve got good players who can hurt teams when we have the ball. It’s not just about containing them — it’s about believing we can create chances against them as well.”
Josh Cullen speaks to the media in Dublin(Image: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne)
Josh Cullen insists Ireland must be brave, bold and ruthless if they’re to turn pride into points against Portugal. Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side pushed the Euro 2016 champions all the way in Lisbon last month, holding them scoreless until the final few minutes — proof that Ireland can go toe-to-toe with one of the world’s best.
But Cullen knows gallant defeats don’t count in qualifying. Thursday night in Dublin has to be the night Ireland go “one better.”
The Burnley midfielder — a fixture in Ireland’s spine — believes the recent meetings have stripped away the fear factor. Ireland drew 0–0 the last time Portugal came to Dublin, and only a late Ronaldo double denied them in Faro three years ago.
Cullen says the dressing room’s belief is real. “We can take a lot of heart from the performance in Lisbon,” he says. “We contained a world-class side until the very end, but the mindset has to be to go one better.
“We’ve shown we can stay disciplined and frustrate them — now it’s about showing the other side of the game too. We need to attack, go forward, get the goal that gives us a chance to win the game.”
That confidence, he says, comes from preparation as much as performance. “We came in on Monday, had our first meeting this morning and the message was clear — we believe we can get a result.
“We’ll need to be right at the top of our game, but that belief is there. It starts now — in how we prepare, how we train, how we make sure we’re in the best place to perform on Thursday night.”
Cullen admits the biggest lesson from Lisbon was that Ireland can match the very best technically and tactically — if they trust themselves. “We showed we can nullify a team with players like that,” he says. “But I think we can be a bit braver in possession too.
“We’ve got good players who can hurt teams when we have the ball. It’s not just about containing them — it’s about believing we can create chances against them as well.”
The good news for Ireland is that the last meeting is still fresh in everyone’s mind. Cullen says the short turnaround helps. “It’s all recent — how we set up tactically, the improvements we want to make. The positives are there too, and we’ve been straight back into planning.
“We know exactly what we’re going to face — it’s just about making those small adjustments that can turn a good performance into a result.”
As for what happens elsewhere — Hungary play earlier — Cullen’s focus is absolute. “It has to be all about us,” he says. “Once you start worrying about what others are doing, you take your eye off the ball. We know the challenge we have and that’s where all our energy has to go.”
Away from the international scene, Cullen’s club form has been one of the few bright spots in a tough Premier League season for Burnley. “We’ve definitely given ourselves a chance in more games,” he explains. “Last time we were often chasing from behind.
Burnley’s Josh Cullen.(Image: (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images))
“This season we’ve been in games longer, competing well — it’s just about tidying up those small details that have cost us points.”
And there’s been a small but satisfying bonus for the 28-year-old: goals. Two in the Premier League already, and now he’s hoping to break his duck for Ireland. “I hope so,” he grins. “Scoring a goal is the best feeling in football, and doing it for your country would mean everything.
“I’ll keep doing my job first and foremost — but if that chance falls, I’ll be ready to take it.”
Cullen also believes Ireland’s need for a result could work in their favour. “When you play the top sides, their focus isn’t always on defending,” he says. “There are moments when you can get at them.
“That’s the big lesson — we can hurt them when we have the ball. We’ll need to be disciplined defensively, of course, but that belief has to be there.”
He bristles slightly at the idea of Ireland as underdogs. “You can’t go into a Premier League or international game thinking you’re the underdog,” he says. “It’s 11 v 11. You prepare right, build confidence through the week, and you go in believing you can win.
“People outside might see us that way — but inside, we expect to perform and we expect to win.”
Cullen’s own role has evolved. A few summer signings have allowed him to push slightly higher up the pitch, linking play rather than anchoring it. “Maybe that balance has given me a bit more licence,” he says. “There hasn’t been a huge tactical change, but the understanding’s better.
“When the team structure’s right and everyone knows their job, you can join in more. I’ve enjoyed that this season.”
And with 50 international caps on the horizon, he’s playing with a quiet assurance. “You learn with experience,” he says. “My role isn’t to score every week, but it’s about doing all the other things right first. Then if goals come, it’s a bonus.”
One player who won’t feature against Portugal is Evan Ferguson, sidelined through injury. Cullen admits it’s a blow — but one Ireland can handle. “Of course it’s a shame,” he says. “Evan’s a huge talent, but it’s also a chance for others to step up.
“We’ve got a squad full of lads who’ll be itching to take that opportunity. Whoever starts, they’ll be ready to go and make an impact.”
Ireland have matched Portugal before. Cullen believes they can do it again — only this time, it’s about making sure the performance comes with points attached.
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