Emma Hayes returns to London for the first time since becoming head coach of the USA when the Americans take on England at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, November 30 at 12:20 PM ET.
More than 80,000 fans are expected to watch Hayes’ homecoming and see the world’s two top-ranked countries go head-to-head.
Reigning European champion England, second in the world rankings, is on the back burner in their otherwise blisteringly successful period under head coach Sarina Wiegman. The Lionesses have lost two and drawn two from their last seven matches, including a chaotic 4-3 against Germany at Wembley last month.
Wiegman will miss attackers Lauren James, Lauren Hemp and Ella Toone due to injury. Reliable defender Niamh Charles is another long-term absentee with injury, while Maya Le Tissier was ruled out just a few days ago.
Ruby Mace adds some strength to the midfield and features in her first ever senior England team. Gabby George, who adds some depth at fullback, returns to the crease for the first time since 2022.
Olympic goal medalists, the US has lost just once in 2024. That was against Mexico in the W Gold Cup, a few months before Hayes took on her role. With the English at the helm, the Americans have won twelve matches and drawn one of thirteen.
Not making the trip across the Atlantic Ocean due to injury fatigue is ‘Triple Espresso’ – the nickname given to the superstar trio of Trinity Rodman, Mal Swanson and Sophia Smith. Goalkeeper number two Casey Murphy is also missing the friendlies, which has opened the door for Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce to earn her first call-up.
All eyes will be on teenager Lily Yohannes at Wembley, who declared this month that she will play for the U.S. women’s national team. The Ajax midfielder was also eligible to play for the Netherlands.
A homecoming match, where she stays grounded through her support system.
The coming week presents a unique opportunity @emmahayes1 and the #USWNT. pic.twitter.com/0UCM0dywSc
— US Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) November 25, 2024
GK: Hannah Hampton – Has established herself as the number one, taking over from Mary Earps this year. Hampton should be backed on the big occasion with some impressive club form.
RB: Lucy Bronze – The 33-year-old doesn’t have a real challenger for her position yet. Unless Wiegman feels like experimenting on a big stage, Bronze will start in her established role.
CB: Millie Bright – Not missed a single minute for Chelsea in the WSL this season. But for her country she has looked less solid than when she wears blue. Will look to put a shaky performance against Germany in October behind him.
CB: Leah Williamson – Questions have been asked about whether the England captain has rediscovered her form and flexibility following injuries. Has had several poor giveaways in possession that have led to goals.
LB: Jess Carter – The Gotham defender will compete against six of her club teammates in the US squad. Remains one of England’s most reliable players in versatile roles across the backline.
CM: Keira Walsh – England’s most important player on her day. Walsh was substituted more frequently for Barcelona in November, with four of her last eight appearances coming from the bench.
CM: Georgia Stanway – Scored from the penalty spot the last time the USA visited Wembley. Will be a vital recovery and tackling piece for England to win the midfield battle.
CM: Grace Clinton – Part rising star, part midfield figure. Injuries to Lauren James and Ella Toone make Clinton a likely starter, despite only having four caps to her name.
LW: Chloe Kelly – With Manchester City limited minutes this season, questions have been raised about Kelly’s inclusion. But Lauren Hemp’s injury increases her stock on the wings.
CF: Alessia Russo – The Arsenal striker has been hot and cold for club and country this year. But she remains by far the best choice for the starting job as a striker for England.
RW: Beth Mead – Mead is still rediscovering her best form but has improved and scored a typically Mead goal against Brighton two weeks ago. Has not scored at Wembley since 2021.
Preparations for the US are in full swing pic.twitter.com/ZMacFULxIG
— Lionesses (@Leeuwinnen) November 26, 2024
GK: Alyssa Naeher – This could be Naeher’s last ever game for her country. The 36-year-old will start during this window, and with a big crowd expected, the match at Wembley makes sense.
RB: Emily Fox – Fox plays her club football at Arsenal and currently lives in London and is ready to feature for her country in her current home country.
CB: Naomi Girma – Due to the San Diego Wave not reaching the playoffs, Girma has not played football in the last four weeks. This could leave the US defensive star rusty or refreshed.
CB: Tierna Davidson – The Gotham defender missed time with an injury in October but should be ready to renew her partnership with Girma that blossomed during the Olympics.
LB: Jenna Nighswonger – Crystal Dunn remains absent, making Nighswonger easily the most established fullback along with Fox. Her set-piece delivery is an additional gift.
CM: Sam Coffey – Hayes often starts with just one midfielder, but due to the strength of the opposition and the location, she might be tempted to pair Coffey with someone more defensive.
CM: Lindsey Horan – The USA captain will almost certainly lead the team at Wembley. Unlike many American camps in the United States, her journey is much shorter than most people arriving from Lyon, France.
CM: Rose Lavelle – Perhaps the player who could replace Hayes from a tactical perspective. More experienced attacking players are missing. the logic might be to support Lavelle at least for the opening hour.
LW: Alyssa Thompson – The 20-year-old is one of the team’s most in-form players after a blistering 2024 NWSL season in which she scored five goals and provided seven assists. Scored her first ever goal in the US in the previous FIFA period. Notably, she made her American debut at Wembley Stadium two years ago.
CF: Lynn Williams – There are only 106 caps among all forwards on this US team, 73 of which are Williams. In this window, she moves to a key offensive leader.
RW: Yazmeen Ryan – Another who earned her spot after a sensational 2024 season with Gotham (5 goals, six assists). With only two international matches to her name, Wembley will be the biggest stage of her career so far. But she is ready to evolve.
Leave a Reply