Not everyone was happy to see Emma Hayes lead the US Women’s National Team to win gold at the Paris Olympics. To be specific, English fans were frustrated that the former Chelsea manager chose to coach a rival nation instead of her home country. Even Jamie Carragher echoed this sentiment, expressing his preference for the Football Association to appoint ‘English coaches’ for both the men’s and women’s teams.

The admission comes on the heels of Sarina Wiegman’s contract extension with the Lionesses until 2027. It indicates the Dutch manager will lead the team in the next World Cup. However, Carragher believes extending Wiegman’s contract was a mistake and detailed how they should have appointed an English manager, such as Emma Hayes.

“For us in this country, if you are asked to name a coach from the Women’s League or you know, in our country, I think 99 people out a hundred mention Emma. She’s almost the most high profile, very successful at Chelsea, and obviously with Sarina at the helm. Not English,” said the Liverpool icon in an exclusive chat with the Mirror.

“My views on certainly our country having foreign managers. I always feel the nation of the size, the stature, the history of us, we should have English coaches for the men and the women’s game. But you know, not everyone feels like that and that’s fine,” added the pundit, questioning the decision of The FA.

In Carragher’s mind, he at least would have at least expected to see the FA make some efforts to stop Hayes from leaving for any other country but the USA. Given what they could do with Emma in just 81 days, her presence surely gives a cutting edge to the Star and Stripes ft. ladies. Not to forget that the 47-year-old’s side can face Lionesses in the 2027 World Cup.

Hayes, herself, called her lucky that she didn’t face any England team during the Summer Games, even though the team themselves weren’t participating in the tournament. “Listen, I didn’t have to face team GB [Great Britain]. So, there was no conflict of interest, but I’m just speechless. Genuinely speechless,” she said while commenting on England’s women’s team absence.

However, it’s not just the upcoming edition of the World Cup where we’ll get to see Emma Hayes and Co. vs Sarina Wiegman and Co. Both sides are promised to lock horns in the upcoming friendlies, which the USWNT boss can’t seem to wait for!

Emma Hayes is ready to return to her ‘Second home’ with the USWNT!

The USWNT is gearing up to take on England at the iconic Wembley Stadium on November 30. As an Englishwoman, Emma Hayes undoubtedly has many fond memories tied to this legendary venue. From attending iconic matches with her father as a child to winning games and trophies, Wembley holds special significance for her. “I’m so excited,” Hayes said when asked about the prospect of facing England with the USA in her homeland.

“Wembley’s like a second home to me, not just as a kid going there but as a manager. I had a lot of success there. So, it’ll be amazing to go back play 20 minutes for my house, and get to play against some amazing players in England. I’m looking forward to it,” concluded the London-born tactician, unable to contain her excitement for the match.

You know what we are excited to see? The kind of reception Hayes gets when returning to her homeland.