USWNT closed the Paris Olympics deal, but they are only warming up for the new chapter. To have a successful 2027 World Cup just like their summer games campaign, the Stars and Stripes gals shall prepare themselves to face all kinds of challenges. And what better way there is to know an opponent by playing a friendly game? Keeping this in mind, the American ladies are set for a clash against England at the very iconic, Wembley stadium—also a place that Emma Hayes is ‘excited‘ to visit.

The London-born manager surely has a lot of memories attached to the soccer’s most legendary venue. This not only includes going out with her dad as a kid to witness some iconic games but also winning games and silverware. “I’m so excited,” said Hayes when asked about facing England in her home country.

“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 English tactician.

Notably, USWNT will be facing the Lionesses on November 30. Even though there’s plenty of time, the news of facing Sarina Wiegman’s that Hayes got during the Olympics keeps her on cloud nine already. However, before visiting her home nation with the team, the American ladies will be playing a couple more friendly.

The latest one will see USWNT face Iceland twice on October 25 at Q2 Stadium and October 28 at Geodis Park. They will then host Argentina at the Lynn Family Stadium on October 31, before finally heading for the clash in London.

Interestingly, eyebrows were raised by many English fans after Hayes took the England job. While she could have easily picked up the Lionesses job, they didn’t offer her what the USA had!

Emma Hayes always feels a ‘bit lighter’ in US compared to England

English fans questioning Emma Hayes to help a rival nation win the Olympics do lie in a gray area. However, it’s her past connection with the Eagles that made her decide to live the American dream. “I’ve always found myself to be a little bit lighter when I’m in America. I don’t know why that is. Maybe my formative years working there have such an appreciation for the place,” she said

But in no state, she implicated that she wouldn’t have loved to do it with England. Instead, the former Chelsea boss calls herself a ‘proud English woman’ to win a gold medal, even though it’s with another country. Somehow, in another assertion, Hayes confidentially asserted that America means more to her ‘than most people realize.’

While slamming the Brits for not embracing the women’s game during her 20s, it was America that accepted her and ‘opened doors and gave opportunities that England never ever gave’ to her. She also acknowledged the feeling of being proud to ‘repay‘ the faith that the USA put in her by winning the gold.

Be that as it may, after all such declarations, it remains to be seen how the English fans will welcome Emma Hayes at Wembley.