USWNT aims to silence England at Wembley in a clash of global soccer titans | OneFootball

This Saturday, the iconic Wembley Stadium will host one of the most anticipated clashes of the year in women’s soccer. The USWNT, ranked No. 1 in the FIFA world rankings, takes on England, the second-ranked team, reigning European champions, and World Cup runners-up. It promises to be a high-intensity clash as two of the world's best teams test each other's talent and will. While the USWNT will look to finish off 2024 on a high note in convincing fashion, the Lionesses aim to prove they can rise above any challenge-even if key players are held back.

Coming into Wembley, USWNT boasts enviable stats in 2024: 17 wins, one draw, and just a single loss. The team has won nine in a row since their gold medal in Paris, making it 18 straight unbeaten. On the road, their record is similar as they have not lost a game on foreign soil since January 2023.

Under the guidance of Emma Hayes, this team seems to have found a perfect balance between power, technique, and consistency. Hayes, who took over the mantle in November 2023 from a successful spell at Chelsea, has already managed to stamp her authority by restoring the team to the top of the world rankings. Growing up just miles from Wembley, Hayes is no stranger to the atmosphere that awaits her squad. Coming back to the scene of some of her finest triumphs, the personal record of six wins in seven matches at this stadium would act as an added boost for her to take on an England squad armed with its own strengths.

England overcomes hurdles, sets sights on victory

The Lionesses go into the game as 2022 UEFA Women's Euro winners and 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup runners-up, but without some influential players. Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, and Ella Toone-former crucial elements in the attack-are all injured. Yet, head coach Sarina Wiegman can count on a squad with an ideal mix of experience and youth.

Veterans like Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, and Millie Bright anchor a sturdy defense, while Beth Mead, the Golden Boot winner at Euro 2022, spearheads the attack. Wiegman has also introduced fresh faces including Laura Blindkilde Brown and Ruby Mace alongside NWSL-based players like Jess Carter and Esme Morgan. This diverse lineup might just provide the edge needed to challenge the USWNT on one of soccer's grandest stages.

Recent head-to-head results have been relatively even-sided, with England winning two of the last three matches, including that pulsating encounter in 2022 at Wembley. The Lionesses won 2-1 in a game full of controversy and drama in front of over 76,000 fans.

A venue of triumphs

Wembley is a special place for English soccer, but more so for the Lionesses. It was there they won their historic Euro 2022 title in front of a record 87,000 fans. Their record against the USWNT at Wembley is not as pleasant, though. The Americans have a good history against England, with 12 wins in 19 total matchups.

Key players and notable absences

The USWNT will be missing quite a few big names from their roster, including three of their "Triple Express" front line in the form of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson, all sidelined with injuries. Despite that, the roster is powerful, with players like veteran Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, and goalie Alyssa Naeher in the lineup. Naeher, a legend in her own right, will finish her international career with that match, retiring on an outstanding legacy of wins and records.

Without stars like Hemp and James, the onus falls more heavily on leaders such as Mead and Bronze to carry the team. At the same time, it creates opportunities for younger players to shine on one of soccer's most prestigious stages.