Emma Hayes Reveals Mother’s Changing Stance on USWNT vs England- “She’s Like, ‘England, of Course’”

It’s funny how life works out sometimes. Take Emma Hayes, for example—who was born and raised in London and, after a decade of success managing her hometown club Chelsea, chose to take on the role of head coach for the US Women’s National Team. Now, fate has brought her to this moment—preparing to face her own nation’s team. While Hayes’ duty compels her to guide the American team to victory, one wonders: Who will her own family be cheering for?

That’s surely one ethical conundrum for the Hayes family. We don’t know about others in the family or even about her fellow Camden lasses, but it looks like the 48-year-old’s mother seems to have sorted her priorities straight. Well, during a chat on The Overlap US: ‘It’s Called Soccer’ segment with Rebecca Lowe and Gary Neville asking how emotional she would be facing her own nation, Emma shared an interesting issue.

The former WSL boss shared how cheekily her mom responded to a question when asked whether she’ll be supporting her daughter or the Lionesses. “Someone will say to my mom, ‘Who are you supporting?’ and she’s like, ‘England, of course.’ Then I look at her and she’s like, ‘With USA as well.’ She almost feels like she has this duty to me after her country, which I respect,” revealed Hayes.

Emma’s mom has bluntly and hilariously suggested that she’ll be rallying for the Stars and Stripes, of course after Sarina Weigman and Co. Then again, instead of thinking about it too much, Hayes respects her mom’s decision. After all, it’s a matter of national importance. And so what if Hayes is now coaching one of the Lionesses’ biggest rivals? The truth is, the former WSL manager will never forget her roots.

“I’m really proud to be English, and I’ve loved nothing more than my country,” she admitted, acknowledging that even though it would be strange to be at Wembley against her nation, she won’t be losing her competitor hat. “I’m an adopted American, and while I’m in charge of this country, I know I’ll give everything for the badge because that’s how I work. I can still love my country and love working for the US all at once.”

Good sport! That’s all we can say about the Hayes family. But the ethical dilemma doesn’t end her. Have you ever thought about what the USWNT boss will be doing when the national anthems are played?

Emma Hayes finally reveals which national anthem she will be singing during England vs. USWNT!

To break the ice, you won’t be seeing Emma Hayes sing ‘God Save the King’ or ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’, even though the English tactician admitted that she loves singing national anthems. “They’ll mull around in my head and then I’ll be standing there thinking, ‘You know some camera is going to be panned in on me,’ and whichever choice I make, it’s going to be one that creates a talking point, so perhaps I’ll just stay in silence for both,” she admitted. 

Indeed, a practical approach from Hayes. Naturally, all eyes will be on her when both national anthems play, and if she’s seen participating in either one—or, in fact, singing both—there could be room for scrutiny. That said, we’re also puzzled about how refraining from singing either anthem would shield Emma from potential backlash. Then again, we know she won’t be holding biases against either side, unlike her mom.