Sarina Wiegman vowed to experiment – ​​has the US shown evolution?

USA head coach Emma Hayes said she expected a “response” from England – and felt they were in for one, even though Wiegman’s side only had one shot on target.

In a game with few clear-cut chances, it was the USA who looked more threatening, with a goal disallowed for offside in the first half and a penalty in the second half rightly overturned after a video referee review.

But England’s defense has risen to the task, brushing aside recent criticism after looking shaky this year.

Goalkeeper Mary Earps, who was nominated by Wiegman as a vote of confidence ahead of Hannah Hampton, showed a confident performance and made numerous saves.

She helped shape the defense in a 4-4-2 formation – something Wiegman used during England’s push to the 2023 Women’s World Cup final but has largely moved away from this year.

“This structure was a bit reminiscent of a World Cup. Some of us have been playing together for a very long time and know each other very well,” Earps told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“Communication is really important. I felt like we were talking throughout the game and finding solutions to problems. We kept them at bay.”

“We don’t want to be happy about a 0-0 draw, but we’ll accept it and want to compete at the European Championships next summer.”

Earps admitted it has been a “tough year” for the Lionesses and they are still “figuring out” how they want to play at Euro 2025 – but this was a step in the right direction towards keeping the US out, albeit in absentia The usual first three of the guests.