USWNT and England Battle to a Stalemate at Wembley
LONDON — On a chilly Saturday evening at Wembley, the England and United States women’s national teams played to a tense 0-0 draw in front of a near-sold-out crowd. While the scoreline might suggest a dull affair, the match was anything but, as both teams showcased their depth and resilience in the absence of key players.
For the USWNT, the evening was a chance to test their squad depth without their electrifying “Triple Espresso” trio of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson, all sidelined due to lingering injuries. England, meanwhile, were missing stars like Lauren James and Lauren Hemp, leaving both teams to rely on fringe players to step up under the bright lights of Wembley.
USWNT Show Depth but Miss “Triple Espresso” Spark
Let’s start with the obvious: the USWNT failed to score for the first time since July. Without their usual attacking trio, the experimental front three of Alyssa Thompson, Lynn Williams, and Emma Sears struggled to create consistent danger. However, the introduction of substitutes Jaedyn Shaw and Yazmeen Ryan injected some much-needed energy into the attack.
Ryan, in particular, was a standout performer. Despite only playing one half, the 25-year-old was a dynamic presence in the final third, creating opportunities and testing England’s defense. Shaw, a rising star from the San Diego Wave, also impressed with her proactive play. While the USWNT missed the lethal finishing of their usual stars, these performances offered a glimpse of the team’s future potential.
- Key Stat: The USWNT had 40 touches in England’s box compared to England’s 14.
- Shots on Target: USA 4, England 1.
England’s Struggles in Attack and Midfield
For England, the match highlighted some glaring issues, particularly in attack and midfield. Missing key players like Hemp and James, the Lionesses lacked the pace and creativity needed to break down the USWNT’s defense. Jessica Naz and Jessica Park were given opportunities to shine but failed to make a significant impact.
England’s midfield also struggled to assert control, with Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway unable to match the dominance of the USWNT’s Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Horan. The visitors’ pressing game forced England into mistakes, disrupting their rhythm and limiting their chances.
Despite these struggles, England’s defense showed improvement. Manager Sarina Wiegman’s tactical adjustments, including a switch between a back four and a back three, helped the Lionesses keep a clean sheet against a dangerous USWNT side. Goalkeeper Mary Earps was a standout performer, making several key saves to keep her team in the game.
Alyssa Naeher’s Farewell?
On the other side of the pitch, USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher earned a clean sheet in what could be her final game for the national team. The 36-year-old announced earlier this week that the matches against England and the Netherlands would be her last with the USWNT. With her family watching from the stands, Naeher delivered a solid performance, making one save and one aerial claim to secure the shutout.
“Having the opportunity to be a part of the USWNT for the past 15 years has been the greatest honor,” Naeher said. She also offered advice to the next generation of players: “Soak it all in, be a sponge, don’t take anything for granted.”
What’s Next for Both Teams?
For England, the focus now shifts to preparing for the Euros, where they’ll look to defend their crown. However, Wiegman has plenty of work to do, particularly in improving the team’s midfield dominance and attacking cohesion. As goalkeeper Mary Earps put it, “Drawing against the Olympic champions is no small thing, but we want to be winning those games.”
For the USWNT, the match was a valuable opportunity to test their depth and identify potential future stars. While the absence of their “Triple Espresso” trio was felt, the performances of players like Ryan and Shaw suggest that the team’s future remains bright.
As both teams continue their preparations for major tournaments, this match served as a reminder of the high stakes and intense competition at the top level of women’s soccer. With plenty of lessons to take away, both sides will be looking to build on this performance in the months ahead.
Originally Written by: Hernandez
