Lauren Hemp and Georgia Stanway secured the European Champions their first win since 2017, with another impressive attendance of over 76,000 fans.
With the frequent appearance of VAR, this already thrilling game became even more intense, in which Trinity Rodman’s disallowed goal finalised England the win.
After a slow start for Sarina Wiegman’s side, Manchester City winger Hemp gave the hosts the advantage at the 10 minute mark, as she tapped the ball away. A few nice link-ups down the right channel started the movement towards England’s player of the year Beth Mead, which allowed a ball to be whipped in just past the defender to Hemp.
USA soon counter-attacked, with a Sophia Smith strike at goal.
This was soon forgotten about when an upraw filled the stadium, as a high boot towards Lucy Bronze received a delayed VAR awarded penalty. Stanway extended England’s lead, as she slotted it bottom right from the spot.
Rodman’s marginally offside goal, placed England in the lead at the break.
With many attacking opportunities for either side in the second half, including an overturned penalty for USA, the game ended with The Lionesses’ in a comfortable position ahead of the World Cup.
Prior to the game, England highlighted their solidarity with the USA in regards to the recent uncovered investigations into the abuse and misconduct in the National Women’s Soccer League. All players wore teal armbands whilst playing, gathered around a “Protect The Players” sign at the start, to constantly reinforce the awareness on this issue.
Although both teams were missing key players, including Leah Williamson and Alex Morgan, it became a taster for what to expect next summer.
Wiegman’s impressive squad made this her 23rd consecutive unbeaten game with England, in which fans hope for this streak to continue.
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