England tested their credentials ahead of next year’s World Cup, beating the current holders the USA 2-1 in an entertaining Wembley encounter.
It was an action-packed first half that was fit for the 76,893 fans inside the stadium. Sophia Smith showed early glimpses of her brilliance as she drew a save from Mary Earps, before Beth Mead’s shot from outside the area was straight at USA goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
England made the first move in the 12th minute with a lightening quick counter-attack. It all came down the right wing as Lucy Bronze found the run of Mead, who then sent a darting cross into the area. Alana Cook’s sliding tackle was unable to keep the ball from finding Lauren Hemp, as she smuggled the ball past Naeher.
Just before the half an hour mark, USA equalised with a wonderful strike from Smith. Georgia Stanway was caught in possession by captain Lindsey Horan, who poked the ball through for her team-mate. Smith then easily turned towards goal before slotting home her tenth goal of 2022.
Lauren Hemp celebrates giving England the lead at Wembley
Shortly after and VAR intervened for the first time. Hailie Mace was penalised for a high boot, catching Bronze in the head – although she escaped a red card for the foul. However, England were awarded a penalty, which Stanway expertly dispatched to see the Lionesses back in front.
More VAR drama was to follow and again, the USA were penalised. A swift break was finished off by Trinity Rodman at the back post, with the impressive Smith again involved. However, VAR checked for an offside in the build-up, with the equaliser eventually chalked off by the tightest of margins.
Sophia Smith impressed for the USA, scoring the equaliser
The second half was a far cagier affair with the sides trading blows at each end, but with little rewards. Bronze’s fierce drive from range skimmed the side of the net, with Megan Rapinoe and Rodman also seeing efforts wide. Stanway’s blistering shot also flew past the post.
The USA would have been glad to see the back of VAR by the end of the game as they had a penalty overturned in the 81st minute. The referee pointed to the spot as Hemp was judged to have handled the ball. However, replays showed the ball clearly hit her on the backside and was soon overturned.
Despite some nervy moments, England saw out the game to take a morale-boosting win which extends the Lionesses unbeaten run to 23 matches under Sarina Wiegman ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against the Czech Republic in Brighton.
Lauren Hemp opened the scoring in the 12th minute as England beat the USA
What’s next?
England will be back in action on Tuesday when they take on the Czech Republic in another international friendly at the Amex Stadium in Brighton; kick-off 8pm The USA will also play on October 11 when they travel to Spain; kick-off 7.30pm.
