The U.S. women’s national team return to play on Saturday in a high-profile friendly against England at Wembley Stadium, which marks a meeting between the Olympic gold medalists and the reigning European champions.
A competitive game in front of 80,000-plus is likely in store as USWNT head coach Emma Hayes returns to her native London, though this game could have an experimental tone. Star talent like the America’s Rose Lavelle and England’s Lucy Bronze will be available for selection, but both Hayes and her counterpart Sarina Wiegman called up a handful of players with 20 international appearances or fewer. The experience of a big game could be crucial for less experienced players, who have much to play for as England prepare for next year’s Women’s Euro in Switzerland and the USWNT build up to the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Even as fresh faces dominate the conversation for both teams, one veteran of the game will also be in focus – Alyssa Naeher. The USWNT’s longtime goalkeeper, a starter during both the 2019 World Cup triumph and last summer’s gold medal-winning run, will retire from international soccer at the end of the year. With two games left on the USWNT’s schedule in 2024, she is expected to play a big role as she ends a storied national team career.
Follow along for pre-game coverage and live updates once the game begins.
How to watch
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 30 | Time: 12:20 p.m.
- Location: Wembley Stadium — London, England
- TV: TNT, Telemundo | Live stream: Max