England & USA play out 0-0 draw: Five things we learned | OneFootball

The highly anticipated clash between the reigning European champions and Olympic champions finished in an anti-climatic 0-0 draw.

Both sides had chances and half-chances to score a winning goal, but neither had the cutting edge in the final third.

Here are five things we learned from the game:

Battle of the managers

Emma Hayes and Sarina Wiegman faced off for the first time in their careers. They are arguably the two best female managers in the world, and while they both spoke of their friendship off the pitch in their respective pre-match press conferences, their competitiveness on the pitch was clear to see. While neither walked away with bragging rights on this occasion, they will no doubt come head-to-head again soon.

Earps stakes her claim

Fans on the ground ahead of kick-off were split on who should be England’s starting goalkeeper, Mary Earps or Hannah Hampton, but on this occasion, Wiegman opted for the more experienced shot-stopper despite Hampton’s superior form. Earps had a good game and kept a clean sheet, but that starting spot is still far from cemented.

Fans out in force

A whopping 78,346 supporters were in attendance at Wembley Stadium for this box office clash. An entertaining lights show just before kick-off set the tone for what would be a lively atmosphere throughout the 90 minutes. This is the highest attendance at a Lionesses game at Wembley since the Finalissima played in April 2023.

USA attack missing Triple Espresso

The number one ranked team in the world were without their attacking trio of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson. Despite having 10 shots in the game compared to England’s four, the Olympic champions severely lacked composure and a clinical edge in the final third that would have seen them win the game. It was a new-look front line that Hayes rolled out, with Lynn Williams, Emma Sears, and Alyssa Thompson starting the game, but failing to make the impact they would have hoped.

A Legend RememberedFormer England international Rachel Daly, who retired from international football in April, was presented with a special framed jersey ahead of kick-off to commemorate her illustrious eight-year career with the Lionesses. Daly, who was part of the historic EURO 2022 winning squad, made 84 caps for her country and was warmly received by a packed Wembley Stadium.