It’s the European Champions vs the World Champions at Wembley – England vs United States Preview

Fresh from being crowned European Champions this summer, England face the current World Champions USA at a sold out Wembley stadium tonight in what is building up to be the biggest friendly game of the year.

After such an incredible summer of football for The Lionesses which saw them crowned European Champions, they finally return to Wembley tonight and will be looking to continue their unbeaten form under boss Sarina Wiegman. However, standing in their way are the current world champions and the number one ranked side in the world, the USA. A team who haven’t lost a game since the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

In front of a packed Wembley crowd of 80,000+, both sides will be desperate to win and prove who really is the best team in international women’s football.

The USA, who’ve won back-to-back World Cups and four Olympic gold medals have some of the best players in women’s football and will be looking to live up to their number one status once again. The Lionesses on the other hand will be looking to continue their great run of form under new boss Wiegman and show the Americans that they are a side to be feared ahead of the world cup next year. With the likes of Beth Mead, Lauren Hemp, Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze in the squad, The Lionesses aren’t short of talent either.

And with both sides not losing a game since 2021, it’s set to be a huge blockbuster of a game tonight. In fact it’s been said coming up against the Americans is regarded as the toughest challenge in women’s football, but England will surely rise to the occasion, especially with a huge home crowd supporting them.

Wiegman’s Comments:

Wiegman said: “They (USA) are one of the best teams in the world, they are ranked number one but I think that there are a couple of teams that are really good at the moment, really high level.

“We saw in the Euros that the European game has improved so much and is getting closer and closer and we would really like to show that (against the United States). I think they are now very excited to come to Europe and play top level teams.

“Yes, we want to win but we will not be just thinking about the result, we want to try to dominate the game too.

“We are a team that everyone expects to win but the fans also know that we are playing the USA who are a very good team. It was the same in the euros – before the game, we didn’t know if we were going to win against top level teams but we are part of that top level too and want to win every game.

“We have pressure from ourselves, we want to do well, we want to play our best game every time we go out on the pitch regardless of the opponent so that’s what gives us the internal pressure. When you are trying to play your best game at the highest level, you just want to win but we will have to see what it brings us.”

Team News:

England –

The Lionesses will be without captain Leah Williamson and star striker Alessia Russo after they withdrew from the squad due to injury. However, most of the Euro winning squad remains with the most expensive women’s player in the world Keira Walsh and newly crowned England Women’s player of the year Beth Mead both set to start, it could spell trouble for the US.

Young talents Jess Park and Esme Morgan could make their senior England debuts if they get onto the pitch at Wembley.

USA – 

Out of the 24 players called up in the initial squad, the USA are only missing two players. Taylor Kornieck has pulled out due to injury, and Mallory Pugh has withdrawn due to a family commitment. But, they have star player Megan Rapinoe ready and raring to go as well as former Manchester City midfielder Rose Lavelle also set to start.

Head to head:

The two national sides have faced one another on numerous occasions in the past. In recent years it’s the Americans who have dominated. Firstly when the sides last met in the 2020 SheBelieves cup the USA won 2-0. And more notably in the 2019 Women’s World Cup semi-final the USA won 2-1.

But both teams have developed and achieved great things since they last played one another, so one things for sure this game is definitely not one to be missed.

Overview:

Of course the game is set to be a real blockbuster, why wouldn’t it be? The European champions vs The World champions.

However, regardless of the result, both teams will be standing in solidarity by wearing teal armbands at Wembley tonight in the wake of the devastating National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) abuse report in America that  details the “systematic” abuse and sexual misconduct in women’s soccer.

The horrific report sheds light on alleged misconduct and repeated failures by USA officials to heed warnings and complaints from players.

The summary of the report says: “Our investigation has revealed a league in which abuse and misconduct — verbal and emotional abuse and sexual misconduct — had become systemic, spanning multiple teams, coaches, and victims.”

In a show of unity and common cause, our players will join the @USWNT tomorrow and take to the field wearing teal armbands to stand in solidarity with sexual abuse victims. pic.twitter.com/Jgvvk18gf3

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) October 6, 2022

Key players to look out for:

• Beth Mead (England) – Recently voted England Women’s player of the year, player of the tournament and awarded the golden boot at the Euros and voted Arsenal women’s player of the season. Mead is definitely one to keep an eye on tonight and could be the difference between the sides come 90 minutes. With her skill and sheer determination to score goals and help out her teammates she could cause the American defence some problems tonight.

 

• Megan Rapinoe (USA) – Even at the age of 37, Megan Rapinoe still plays a crucial part in this USA side. The forward has played 194 times for her side and has scored 62 goals and has bagged 73 assists. Her record and performances against England have always been impressive and she knows how to rattle a few fans along the way. Despite her age she could be a real pain for the England defenders tonight.

 

The game kicks off at 8pm tonight (BST) and will be live on ITV, coverage begins from 7:30pm.