The disparity between anticipation and actuality can be substantial, and the closely contested chess match between England and the United States did not fully deliver the high-octane action expected from the pre-game narrative of a titanic clash. In front of 78,346 eager spectators, the European champions, led by Sarina Wiegman, and the Olympic gold medallists, guided by London-native Emma Hayes, both failed to emerge as the clear victors in this high-profile friendly.

Hayes had exuded a cheerful demeanor before the match, stating: “Life is too short, I want to enjoy it.” However, the football in the first half did not quite live up to the hype, with the crowd's expectations of a thrilling encounter not fully met. After an elaborate pre-match show featuring lasers, fireworks, smoke, and booming music, the game felt somewhat subdued, turning into a tactical battle rather than a high-energy spectacle.

The visiting team, the United States, displayed better organization and efficiency on the ball, and their pressing game stifled England's attacks, limiting the Lionesses to just two touches in the opposition's box in the first half, compared to the USA's 15 in England's. Despite this, Wiegman's side was not particularly out of form. Jess Naz, making her third appearance for England, was particularly impressive, providing solid cover for Lucy Bronze on the right flank and causing issues for the USA's defense, though she struggled with the final pass.

Mary Earps, chosen as the goalkeeper ahead of Hannah Hampton, was reliable between the posts, making two crucial saves in the first half. She pushed away Alyssa Thompson's shot early on and denied Casey Krueger after Thompson's strike was deflected by Bronze's block. With the action on the pitch lacking intensity, the focus often shifted to the touchline, where the two top women's football managers were orchestrating their teams, with Hayes occasionally pausing with arms crossed and Wiegman standing with her hands clasped behind her back.

The USA made one substitution after the break, swapping Emma Sears with Yazmeen Ryan. Both players were earning their third caps, taking advantage of the absence of the formidable forward trio of Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson. The second half saw a slight increase in energy, with the crowd becoming more vocal, urging the game to tilt in one direction. Within four minutes, the USA's captain, Lindsey Horan, scored from close range, but the goal was disallowed for offside, leading to mixed emotions for Hayes.

England also improved, showing more control and patience in possession. This was reflected in the statistics, with the Lionesses increasing their touches in the opposition's box from two to 10 within the next 20 minutes. However, disaster nearly struck for the home side around the hour mark when Alex Greenwood was initially penalized for handball in blocking Ryan's shot. Replays, however, clearly showed the ball hit Greenwood's chest, leading to VAR intervention and the referee overturning the decision.

The introduction of Korbin Albert in place of Thompson elicited the loudest reaction from the crowd, with boos echoing around the stadium due to Albert's past controversy involving homophobic social media posts. Experience was brought on for England with the arrivals of Fran Kirby and Chloe Kelly, but the home team struggled to penetrate the solid visiting defense, led by the exceptional Naomi Girma.

In the closing stages, the USA looked more likely to score, but the stalemate was a fair outcome. Against top-tier opposition, both Hayes and Wiegman will have gleaned valuable insights, and there is work to be done. For Wiegman, this preparation must be swift, with Nations League football on the horizon and England's defense of their European title coming up in the summer.

Source link:   https://www.theguardian.com