When giants collide, sparks fly—and Wembley Stadium is set for an epic showdown as the England women take on the United States women in a high-profile friendly this Saturday. For both teams, this match represents more than just a game; it’s a crucial test of their progress, strategies, and ambitions. But they placed head coach Emma Hayes in a challenging position. With veteran goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher set to retire after these two matches, Hayes faces a crucial choice: should she let Naeher play or give others a chance to showcase their skills?

Hayes’ dilemma arises from a noticeable gap in the USWNT’s goalkeeping lineup. While Naeher has been the reliable No. 1 for years, the hierarchy behind her is still uncertain. As Lisa Carlin said, “Emma Hayes no longer has a number one, and to me, the clear number two is not clear who will step into that number one spot.” The competition is wide open, and these high-stakes matches present a unique opportunity to assess the potential successors.

Going up against two formidable opponents, Hayes can evaluate her goalkeepers under real pressure. England and the Netherlands have strong offensive capabilities, which means their keepers will perform various tasks such as saving shots, dealing with crosses, handling physicality in the box, and distributing the ball under pressure. Hayes recognizes the importance of these moments in identifying a future leader among the goalkeepers.

Adding urgency to the situation is the lack of competitive minutes for the younger goalkeepers in the squad. Building depth in the roster is crucial, and while Naeher could easily play the full 90 minutes in both games, it wouldn’t address the long-term needs of the team. As excitement grows, the upcoming matchup not only guarantees action but also emphasizes important choices that will influence the teams’ futures.

England and USA set for a Wembley thriller

The USA, with an 18-game unbeaten streak, arrives in London after a commanding 3-0 victory over Argentina last month. Naomi Girma was the star of the show, netting two goals, while an own goal sealed the deal. On the other hand, England comes into this match following a hard-fought 2-1 win against South Africa, with Leah Williamson and Grace Clinton scoring in the first half. Although Thembi Kgatlana managed to pull one back, the Lionesses held strong to secure the win.

Historically, the Americans have the upper hand. In their 19 previous meetings, the USWNT has claimed 12 victories, while England has won just five times. However, their last encounter in October 2022 saw the Lionesses pull off a thrilling 2-1 win, demonstrating their ability to challenge the giants. Notably, six of the last eight matchups have been tightly contested, decided by a single goal.

For Emma Hayes, leading the US team after a 12-year stint at Chelsea, this match is more than just a game—it’s a celebration of the advancements in women’s football. “These are the days I’m proud to be in,” she expressed, filled with pride ahead of an expected crowd of 85,000. Since taking over the US team after their World Cup setback, Hayes has already guided them to Olympic gold and an impressive record of 12 wins in 13 matches.

Both teams have different motivations for this game. England sees it as vital preparation for February’s UEFA Nations League campaign, with another friendly against Switzerland on the horizon next week. For the USA, it’s an opportunity to fine-tune their tactics ahead of the SheBelieves Cup—in Hayes’ words, it’s time to “celebrate both countries” and acknowledge the efforts propelling the sport forward. Wembley is set to witness history in the making.