The anticipation of the European champions facing off against the Olympic champions is already captivating. However, the return of Emma Hayes to Wembley, coupled with an England team eager to improve after their recent loss to Germany at the national stadium, elevates this match beyond a mere friendly between the world's top-ranked sides.
For an England team aiming to defend their title at next summer's Euros in Switzerland, there is no better benchmark than testing themselves against the USA, currently ranked No 1 and showing renewed vigor since Hayes took charge in May. "As long as I've been an England player, it's been one of the most thrilling games to be part of," said right-back Lucy Bronze. "A rivalry has emerged over the last few decades, and we know, regardless of the players or manager, it's a high-stakes, high-level game.
It's a challenging level because the US just won an Olympic gold medal. Winning a tournament requires intensity, ruthlessness, and a strong mentality, which perfectly describes the USA. If we can compete toe-to-toe with such a team, understand the mentality required, learn from our mistakes, and showcase our capabilities, it will significantly prepare us for the next eight months."
The visitors, historically the most successful international side in women's football, remain undefeated in 13 matches under Hayes, winning 12 and drawing 0-0 against Costa Rica in July during a heatwave in Washington DC. In the Olympics, they defeated Germany twice, along with Australia, Japan, and a rising Brazil in the final. Hayes has been visibly upbeat in the lead-up.
England's head coach, Sarina Wiegman, discussed her friendship with Hayes but emphasized: "It's the same when we play the USA or the Netherlands: you really want to beat your friends, perhaps even more than when they're not your friends. They're the No 1 in the world. Emma Hayes and I used to collaborate, and now we're opponents, yet in the football world, we're one family, but we're competing fiercely tomorrow."
The USA will not field their full-strength lineup. Due to minor injuries, Hayes did not call up their formidable front three of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson, who dubbed themselves "Triple Espresso" this year. Regardless, the USA will pose a significant attacking threat, with NJ/NY Gotham FC forward Lynn Williams among those poised to excel.
England's forward line will also be weakened. Manchester City winger Lauren Hemp is out following knee surgery, while Chelsea's Lauren James and Manchester United's Ella Toone are also injured, potentially opening opportunities for Manchester City's Chloe Kelly and Jess Park or the 21-year-old Manchester United player Grace Clinton.
England will also miss the Manchester United captain Maya Le Tissier, as Wiegman confirmed the defender is undergoing concussion protocols and is only back on the pitch for non-contact training. Of the eight players nominated for the Fifa Best women's player of 2024 award from both countries, a maximum of four will be available, including Bronze.
The former Barcelona defender, discussing the respect England has for the USA, said: "You achieve that level of respect when two teams or individuals have reached the highest level and understand the effort required. As an English team, we've always recognized the immense effort the US has made to reach their position. They are an outstanding team both on and off the pitch, something we greatly admire and have been inspired by as an England team, especially after winning the Euros.
Watching their achievements and efforts to change women's soccer in America, we had a similar opportunity in England, and we now feed off each other in that respect off the pitch. We're friends, rivals, and part of a community, yet we still aim to beat each other. With England and America, it's always a high level of 'rivalry' but 'respect.'"
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