England were held to an entertaining goalless draw with Olympic champions USA at Wembley as they ramp up preparations for next summers Euros title defence. The Lionesses were on the back foot for the majority of the game but reduced their hosts to half chances as Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Horan, among others, tested Mary Earps, but never at full stretch.
What will have impressed Sarina Wiegman most was Englands ability to stay defensively resolute when faced with the pace and athleticism of the four-time World Cup winners, who remain unbeaten under Emma Hayes.
Their work at the opposite end wasnt quite as assured or fluid as its been in the past, but Wiegman will take solace from a commendable shutout – their first of 2024 – particularly after conceding four against Germany on a punishing night in late October.
How the teams lined up | Match statsGet Sky Sports or stream with NOW | Download the Sky Sports AppMaturity of defensive display impresses WiegmanEngland head coach Sarina Wiegman speaking on ITV: Very intense game at the very highest level.
We were more mature than the last time we played at Wembley. As a team we defended really well. We had moments we could press in the second half, I would like more of that. The final pass to get behind we lost too quick.
This game gives us information, thats what we wanted. Were trying out things and they challenged us. As a team we did well to recognise moments, tactically the team were really connected. There is big competition in the squad.
Mary Earps absolutely showed up today. Were learning things. This shows that we need to improve things, this is good, but we want to be better again. Hayes: We handled hostile Wembley wellUSA head coach Emma Hayes speaking on ITV: I thought we kept the crowd quiet and controlled the game.
Im super proud of the way we imposed ourselves, it was just the top end. The quality was just lacking, but generally Im pleased with the performance. If you think about the entries into the final third it was us more than them.
Were in a developmental phase, and I thought we handled the hostile moments in the game. Im a proud Englishwoman who is proud to coach America. You can be both things.
