USWNT vs. England: Preview and Prediction

November 29, 2024
By Rohtas Wadera

The USWNT gave Kelley O’Hara a proper sendoff over their last two friendlies as part of the Gold Medal Tour. Now, the Stars and Stripes face a much tougher test as they leave the United States and travel to England. These two teams have become arch-rivals in recent years, with some epic battles in the SheBelieves Cup. This time, it’ll be a friendly that likely won’t be very friendly at all. A different USWNT veteran is receiving her send-off. Alyssa Naeher is officially retiring from international duty, and England would love to spoil the party. Here’s our preview of the USWNT vs. England.

USA vs. England: Saturday, November 30th at 12:20 PM ET/9:20 AM PT, TNT, Telemundo

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USWNT Roster

Goalkeepers: Mandy Haught (Utah Royals), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
Defenders: Tierna Davidson (NJ/NY Gotham), Emily Fox (Arsenal), Eva Gaetino (Paris Saint-Germain), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave), Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit), Alyssa Malonson (Bay FC), Jenna Nighswonger (NJ/NY Gotham), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride), Emily Sonnett (NJ/NY Gotham)
Midfielders: Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns), Hal Hershfelt (Washington Spirit), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon), Rose Lavelle (NJ/NY Gotham), Lily Yohannes (Ajax)
Forwards: Yazmeen Ryan (NJ/NY Gotham), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Ally Sentnor (Utah Royals), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC), Lynn Williams (NJ/NY Gotham)

The only three changes are major changes. Triple Espresso is all out and receiving some time off. Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson’s absence will be significant against England, but it’s time for the young up-and-coming players to get some minutes.

Ally Sentnor and Lily Yohannes come into the team, and Phallon Tullis-Joyce gets into the team as the third goalkeeper. Lynn Williams and Jaedyn Shaw will be asked to do a lot up top.

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Emma Hayes is familiar with England’s roster, and it’ll be interesting to see what she attempts to do tactically to create chances against a strong England team. The Brits have a few new names on their team as well, including two players who just played in the NWSL Final. Anna Moorhouse had an incredible season for the Orlando Pride, and Esme Morgan did the same for the Washington Spirit.

England’s Roster

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (PSG), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)
Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Gabby George (Manchester United), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Millie Turner (Manchester United), Leah Williamson (Arsenal),
Midfielders: Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Grace Clinton (Manchester United), Fran Kirby (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ruby Mace (Leicester City), Jess Park (Manchester City), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Barcelona)
Forwards: Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Jessica Naz (Tottenham Hotspur), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)

This is going to be a very tough game for the USWNT. There’s a sold-out crowd at Wembley Stadium. So, England will be eager to send a message to the United States that winning in Europe isn’t easy. Fran Kirby, Georgia Stanway, and Keira Walsh make up a strong midfield, with Beth Mead, Chloe Kelly, and Alessia Russo forming a strong front three.

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The key to this game is the midfield battle. Is there enough defensive support for Naomi Girma and the rest of the backline? Whether it’s Sam Coffey or Korbin Albert, they have the tough task of taking care of the ball with minimal turnovers while getting the tough challenges in and doing the dirty work.

This match feels like a draw, as there doesn’t seem to be much separating these two sides. Alyssa Naeher will do everything in her power to lead the defense to a clean sheet. But both teams should share the spoils when it’s all said and done.

Prediction: USWNT 1-1 England

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