In a high-stakes showdown at Wembley, two heavyweights, the USWNT and England, battled to a rather surprising draw. Neither side managed to break the deadlock, leaving 78,000 fans wanting more. For Emma Hayes, her much-anticipated return to England ended on a flat note, but her focus remains on pushing her players to deliver more for upcoming fixtures in the absence of key players.
Without the sips of ‘Triple Espresso’, the USWNT struggled to create big chances in the absence of the front three of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson. In her post-match interview, Emma Hayes highlighted the need for her players, particularly the younger ones, to step up.
“It was just the last part of the pitch, I think when you lose quality we have by not having the triple espresso here those players that start or finish the game, they have to learn to pick the right moments and execute,” Emma told ITV Sport. During the USWNT’s unbeaten run in the Paris Olympics, the ‘Triple Espresso’ scored 10 out of the team’s 12 goals and secured the goal medal.
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“With the quality, I felt was just lacking but generally I am pleased with the performance” added Hayes. While players like Sam Coffey and Naomi Girma delivered solid individual performances, Lindsey Horan and Emma Sears struggled to make an impact, with the latter getting substituted at halftime. Hayes also stressed the value of playing younger talents but expects more impact, especially from 20-year-old Alyssa Thompson, who is back in the squad.
What a night in London 👏 pic.twitter.com/GBjVaqqXw9
— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) December 1, 2024
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For the ex-Chelsea boss, the match was more than just friendly; it was a sentimental return to home soil, where she spent 12 years of her managerial career at Stamford Bridge. Wembley in particular held particular significance, for the venue once hosted several of her FA Cups. However, she wasn’t the only former Chelsea boss present at the iconic stadium.
Mauricio Pochettino is back at Wembley
The USMNT manager was seen having casual chats with Emma Hayes and England manager Sarina Wiegman at the touchline ahead of kick-off. Mauricio Pochettino was once a regular at Wembley while managing Tottenham Hotspur since the Spurs played their home game here while their Tottenham Hotspur stadium was being built.
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Looking ahead, both the national team managers have rather high expectations of them. For Poch, the stakes are particularly high as his USMNT side will be preparing for the 2026 World Cup on home soil. Hayes has previously emphasized how the USMNT can draw inspiration from the rich legacy of the USWNT, which the Argentine squad will be aspiring for.
Hayes is set to lead her team in their final friendly against the Netherlands before heading into the international break. With her perfect record still intact since taking over the USWNT, she will be eager to extend her unbeaten streak. As the team continues to evolve under her, only time will tell how long this run can last.
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Can Emma Hayes' young guns rise to the occasion, or is the USWNT missing its 'Triple Espresso'?
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Can Emma Hayes' young guns rise to the occasion, or is the USWNT missing its 'Triple Espresso'?
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