“I’m excited,” remarked Emma Hayes earlier over the impending friendly yet enthralling face-off between USWNT and England. Even though it calls for an ethical riddle over facing the same nation she was born in, the English tactician looks prepared for whatever may come. However, recent retiree Alex Morgan believes the hosts may make things ‘difficult‘ for the American ladies.

To remind you, this is the very same Alex Morgan, who celebrated her goal in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup semifinals against the Lionesses with her iconic tea-sipping goal celebration. While her antics made her a hero in the States, they ignited a rivalry between the two nations. Unsurprisingly, the San Diego Waves icon already has a warning for the adventurous and ambitious youth who are prepared for anything.

“Going to England and playing England there is difficult,” said Alex Morgan, during a lengthy interview with SI. “It’s an extremely big challenge. The team will be finishing up the season at that point, it’ll be the end of a very long season, but I think England have proven to be one of the top dogs just as the U.S. has year after year,” added the 36-year-old whole acknowledging the sheer quality of Sarina Wiegman and Co.

Yet, that won’t rule out how great an encounter it will be between the two remarkable sides in international women’s soccer. Failing to share her own prediction for the match, Morgan expressed more confidence in the atmosphere of the clash, set to place at Wembley on November 30. “I think it will be a really exciting game for the fans, regardless of what the score is,” concluded the USWNT icon.

This surely serves as a stark reminder for the American ladies, regardless of how favorites they are for winning the game. Notably, the last time both sides met was nearly two years ago in a friendly match. Interestingly, the English women secured a 2-1 victory over Team USA on October 7, 2022, following a 2-0 loss in the 2020 SheBelieves Cup and a year after their defeat in the 2019 World Cup.

But, the biggest talking point will remain how Hayes would be welcomed in her own country. Moreover, many are saying it won’t be favorable for sure!

Emma Hayes shall brace herself for a ‘strange’ reception in England after Alex Morgan’s warning

Having played under Emma Hayes in Chelsea, England legend Catie Chapman believes her former manager’s homecoming could be a bit unusual. “I’m sure it will be quite strange, with her obviously being English and being in the English game and then managing the USA as an English manager,” she said.

Yet, that isn’t stopping Hayes from containing her excitement. She also not overthinking about being awkward facing her own nation.

“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,” said Hayes in an interview, later asserting that it would be a stadium-packed, sellout crowd for the clash.

Then again, it would be the winner that ultimately becomes the deciding factor.