Tell me. what to watch December 22, 2024 1:23 pm
ENGLAND vs USA
England vs USA: Lionesses face biggest test since Euro
England – the European Champions – are back in action tonight in a friendly against World Champions, Team USA.
The Lionesses return to their Wembley home, in what will be their greatest test since the Euro 2022 final. Despite being a friendly match, it will be an important game in assessing England’s performance ahead of next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The Lionesses will then face the Czech Republic at Brighton on Tuesday night in another friendly ahead of the 2023 World Cup.
England are suffering a few setbacks for tonight’s game, having lost some star power to injury. But England remains hopeful, and football fans and pundits will no doubt be looking at the skill and performance of the two leading candidates for glory in 10 months’ time.
Team USA has historically led the way in women’s football, but England is starting to close the gap. Even USA legend Megan Rapinoe went as far as to say on Thursday that she feels “there isn’t really a huge gap anymore and there hasn’t been for a long time”.
The US will no doubt be tough competition, having not lost all year and recently won their own continental crown.
STARTING LINEUP
Predicted line-ups
England: Earps, Bronze, Bright, Greenwood, Daly, Stanway Walsh, Stanway, Kirby, Kelly, Hemp, Mead.
USA: Naeher, Huerta, Sauerbrunn, Cook, Fox, Lavelle, Horan, Sullivan, Smith, Hatch, Rapinoe.
TEAM NEWS, INFO
ENG vs USA | Wembley| Team News | Latest News| kickoff
England to show support for USA over scandal
England players will join forces with team USA to show solidarity for victims of the abuse scandal ahead of the game.
Football in the USA has been rocked following an investigation which found abusive behaviour and sexual misconduct “had become systemic” in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
England’s Beth Mead said she was “sickened” by the situation whilst head coach Sarina Wiegman called it “horrible” and “unacceptable.”
“We’re in contact with the American team and some of the players,” said Mead. “We’re working on something to show our support for them.
“When I found out, I was sickened by the situation. It’s a worldwide problem but women need to be taken seriously. (I’m) very proud of the victims that actually stood up and said it.
“People need to start doing better, the US governing body needs to be doing better, worldwide we need to be doing better.”
England vs USA – the latest team news
The Lionesses are hit by injury with captain Leah Williamson and striker Alessia Russo both out of tonight’s game. The Lionesses will also be without Lucy Parker.
For team USA, Taylor Kornieck is out with injury and Mallory Pugh has withdrawn for personal reasons.
Millie Bright will be taking over captain duties for England and should see Alex Greenwood come in to partner her in the defence.
England also have an attack problem, with Russo out and Ellen White retired, the Lionesses lack a senior striker in the squad.
Tonight’s game could see Rachel Daly upfront, similar to her position for Aston Villa, though she usually plays left-back for England.
Beth Mead could be playing through the middle, with Euro 2022 hero Chloe Kelly starting out wide.
England not afraid to face USA
It is three years since the USA won 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final, but the Lionesses have progressed massively in that time.
England boss Sarina Wiegman said: “The challenge of facing the world champions is one we look forward to and it is another tough fixture to measure our progress as we look to continue to make the next step forward.
“We are so excited to be able to go back to Wembley after our incredible experience in July.
“It will be a special evening and a great celebration for our fans, but we also know it will be a challenging game against very strong opposition.
“We are working hard towards next summer and this will help us understand where we are in our preparation.”
When is England vs USA?
Tonight’s game will take place at a packed out Wembley stadium on Friday 7 October.
Kick off is 8pm BST.
How to watch England vs USA
England vs USA will be broadcast live on UK TV on channel ITV 1 and viewers can also stream online via the ITV hub.
USA viewers can watch via Fox Sport.
PREDICTION
Predictions
Both teams have plenty of confidence and momentum right now and it should be an entertaining contest full of quality. Expect a few goals and no shortage of commitment, and a packed Wembley crowd should help the hosts along. England 3-2 USA. – (The Independent)
………..
Friday’s fixture is poised to be a fascinating showdown between two of the top sides in world football. Both sides are without key players, with Alex Morgan missing for the USA and Alessia Russo and Leah Williamson absent for England.
It promises to be an intriguing tactical and attacking battle – with potentially nothing to separate the two sides. Prediction: England 2-2 USA – (90 mins)
………..
England vs USA is set to be a thrilling match regardless of who wins. England are newly confident and are ready to take on the champs and despite having several key players out with injury, the home crowd could prove vital. England 2-1 USA – (WTX SPORT)
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