Oh, we certainly wouldn’t want to be in the ethical conundrum Emma Hayes will face on Saturday. In what will be her first match on home soil after leaving Chelsea to manage the USWNT, the Lionesses are set to take on Hayes’ side in a friendly at Wembley. “We need to celebrate how far we’ve come [in women’s sports], and having 80,000 paying fans to watch a great match-up is a sign of progress,” she said in a pre-match conference. “So celebrate both countries, celebrate the work that’s being done, as opposed to pick it apart.” 

Ironically, though, while she wants to do just this, Hayes may have to hold back.

Considering this will be the USWNT’s first international window since Donald Trump took office for a second term on November 5, Hayes was asked whether the topic of politics was remotely in discussion as the players gathered. Hayes had a straight-shooter of an answer: “No, we don’t. We definitely do not have time for conversations like elections.” Too subtle? Well, from being “an inner-city London kid” to self-proclaimed “adopted American,” questions surrounding which national anthem she would be singing came up, and Hayes dodged drawing criticisms with a smart comeback.

In an appearance on the It’s Called Soccer podcast hosted by Rebecca Lowe and Gary Neville, the former Manchester United player asked, “How are you feeling about this game emotionally?” the 48-year-old tactician replied, “I’m always alright until my mum says something about it. I’m usually like, ‘I’m fine with it.’
“And then someone will say to my mum, ‘Who are you supporting?’
“She’s like, ‘England, of course.’ Then I look at her, and she’s like, ‘With USA as well.'” 

So, what if Hayes is coaching one of the Lionesses’ rivals? Truth be told, the former WSL manager would never forget her roots. “I’m really proud to be English, and I love nothing more than my country,” she admitted things to be a bit weird at Wembley for not representing her nation, continuing, “But then my competitor hat goes on.

“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. They’re two wonderful national anthems that I love to sing, to be honest with you. Just ’cause I love singing.” However, the very woman who, in her early days as a commentator, used to hum the French and Italian national anthems just because they felt upbeat won’t be signing her home country’s ‘God Save the King’ or her current side’s ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’ But why?

Interestingly, when co-hosts Rebecca Lowe and Gary Neville asked if she would be singing both, the former Chelsea boss quickly explained, “I think they’ll just mull around in my head, and then I’ll be standing there. Some camera is gonna be panned in on me, and whichever choice I make, it’s gonna be one that creates a talking point. So, perhaps, I’ll just stay in silence for both.”  

As they say, silence is the best answer; we feel this is rather a pragmatic step from Hayes. Of course, cameras will be on her the moment both nation’s national anthems, and if she is seen in any one of them or, as a matter of fact, sings both, there may be some scope for scrutiny. Then, we’re also confused about how not singing either one of them will save Emma from any potential backlash. At least it looks to be sorted out for Hayes’ mother, who happens to keep her priorities straight despite her daughter’s commitment to the USWNT.

The unavoidable situation with the national anthems coming her way is something Hayes did address earlier, too. “I have to go through a weird moment when the national anthem’s playing, something I will hum along to as I always have done, being the English person that I am. I’ll also do the same for the American national anthem.” But whatever “talking points” come from this, she knows what lies beyond the starting whistle is what matters.

She added, “Beyond that weird moment and seeing some of the competitors I’ve come up against or players that I’ve gone to war with, its business come kickoff.” Having spent 12 years with Chelsea, the 48-year-old is set to go up against some of her former players. While the Lionesses will be without Chelsea’s Lauren James and Niamh Charles (out due to injury), Emma Hayes will have to face someone she sees as “a little sister” – her former captain, Millie Bright. That said, the last time England went up against the USWNT, they emerged victorious.

Sophia Smith scored the USA’s only goal in the 2-1 defeat in October 2022. So, going into yet another friendly, the USWNT will hope to emulate their performance from the 2019 World Cup semifinal clash against the Lionesses, where they came out on top (2-1). One thing is for sure: Hayes and the USWNT squad are ready to give their best. “These are the moments we live for,” captain Lindsey Horan told reporters when she joined Hayes in the conference.

Considering it’s a high-stakes match (even though it’s a friendly) between the top two teams in the FIFA women’s rankings, Horan added, “We relish every bit of intensity, and I believe it’s going to be one of the most exciting games you’ll see.” With the stage set for an epic showdown, there’s no doubt that Hayes’ return to Wembley will be an emotional affair.