Olympic champions US held to goal-less draw by European champions England at Wembley

LONDON – England’s women held Olympic champions United States to a goal-less draw in a “very intense” friendly at Wembley Stadium on Nov 30 in the battle between the world’s top two nations.

The top-ranked Americans, who are unbeaten in 19 matches, forced England goalkeeper Mary Earps into several huge saves, and then had a goal from Lindsey Horan chalked off for offside early in the second half.

The American footballers celebrated briefly again minutes later when the referee pointed to the penalty spot believing England defender Alex Greenwood had handled the ball. The decision was overturned after a video assistant referee check.

“Very intense game,” England manager Sarina Wiegman told ITV. “It is at the highest level.

“We had some moments. As a team, we defended really well and we could have pressed them. Lots of learnings from this game.”

England, who were using the game as part of their preparations for Euro 2025 where they will be defending champions, grew into the game.

Beth Mead blazed a late shot just wide of the post in one of their best chances.

“It was tough, as you’d expect against the Olympic champions,” Earps told ITV.

“We were hard to beat and resolute and stuck together as a group. There are things to build on but I think we will take a 0-0.”

Earps started between the posts ahead of Hannah Hampton.

Wiegman said: “The competition with her with Hannah is very good and she showed up today.”

The friendly in front of 78,346 fans at Wembley marked Emma Hayes’ first game back in her home country since she left Chelsea after 12 years to coach the US team in May.

The 48-year-old said: “You can be two things at once. I am a proud Englishwoman who is proud to coach America.”

Both sides were missing key players, with the US absences most evident in their front line, with Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson – nicknamed “Triple Espresso” – all out injured.

England were missing Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Ella Toone and Maya le Tissier.

England’s clean sheet, albeit against a weakened American side, was a big boost considering they have been nowhere near their best of late.

They lost 4-3 to Germany in late October at Wembley in a horrible defensive performance, before edging out South Africa 2-1 four nights later.

“Especially after the defeat to Germany, we knew that there was going to be a reaction to that performance,” Hayes said.

“But we kept the crowd quiet. I thought we controlled the game.

“I feel like I’ve got a chance to see so many younger, less experienced players... under the lights, under pressure.

“I’m super proud of the way we imposed ourselves on them.

“It was just the last part of the pitch, and when you lose the quality we have by not having the ‘Triple Espresso’ here, those players that start or finish the game have to learn to pick the right moments and execute with a quality that I felt was just lacking.

“But generally I’m pleased with the performance.”

The US head to The Hague next to play the Netherlands on Dec 3, while England take on Euro 2025 hosts Switzerland in a friendly on the same day at Sheffield’s Bramall Lane. REUTERS, AFP