England see out goalless draw against USA after VAR cancels penalty
After a disallowed goal and a penalty ruled out by VAR, England and the USA settled for a 0-0 draw at Wembley. Former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes returned to home soil as she led the USWNT out against the Lionesses.
In a special ceremony, Rachel Daly was honoured for her iconic Lionesses career following her recent retirement from international football.
In the last five head-to-head matches between these two teams, USA have had the upper-hand, with England getting just the one win from their previous meeting. Here’s how their latest clash unfolded in the capital.
Starting XIs
England
Earps; Bronze, Carter, Walsh, Williamson (C), Greenwood, Naz, Stanway, Russo, Park, Mead
USA
Naeher; Girma, Williams, Thompson, Horan (C), Sears, Sonnett, Lavelle, Coffey, Krueger, Fox
Match officials
Referee: LINA LEHTOVAARA (FIN)
Assistant Referee: HEINI HYVÖNEN (FIN)
Assistant Referee: JENNI PAAVOLAINEN (FIN)
4th Official: SATU MIETTUNEN (FIN)
A fire-fuelled first half at Wembley
As the game got underway at a busy Wembley stadium, it sure wasn’t a slow start as both teams created multiple chances. A notable save came from Mary Earps within just five minutes of playing time as she made an impeccable dive to deny the USWNT of an early lead. Midfielder Sam Coffey was the first to be issued a yellow card in the 15th minute following a foul on Jess Park.
As the first quarter of the game passed, it was the away team who seemed to be dominating with more chances on target. However, they were met with the brilliant defending of Lucy Bronze or the hands of Earps.
As the half-time whistle approached, the game seemed to gain a slower pace. Both teams hoped to come back out after half-time fresh and fast-paced to score the first goal of the evening.
VAR rules out late penalty
USA started the game with a strong effort by Lindsey Horan but England were saved by the offside flag. Following the restart, the Lionesses seemed to lack energy and allowed the US more chances on goal.
Tensions drew higher as time went on, with both teams eager to break the deadlock. The referee pointed towards the spot for a USA penalty but upon a VAR review, it was ruled out after mistaking Alex Greenwood’s body block for a handball.
Following a quiet couple of minutes, Beth Mead attempted a beautiful cross in which went just wide of the goal.
With an additional time of four minutes, there was still hope for either team to take home the win. But despite both side’s best efforts, the Wembley clash ended in a goalless draw.
The two teams return to action on December 3rd. The USA will take on the Netherlands away, meanwhile England will host Switzerland at Bramall Lane.
Triumphant tributes
Rachel Daly marked the end of her international career with a special ceremony before the kick-off. Daly, who has represented England through two World Cups and their Euro 2022 triumph, announced back in April that she would be hanging up her Lionesses shirt after 82 caps. The FA Women’s Technical Director, Kay Cossington, led a presentation to acknowledge the legacy of Daly.
In a private pre-match ceremony, 10 former Lionesses were presented with their personalised cap and legacy number. This was then celebrated further as fans filled the stadium with support as the ex-internationals walked a lap around the pitch at half-time in recognition of their achievements.
Another lap was also held for the England Women U17s players and staff for their great efforts and performance at the WU17 Euro 2024, and the WU17 World Cup.
