Mary Earps made three stops — all before halftime — to help England preserve a scoreless draw against the U.S. women’s national team in a blockbuster friendly on Saturday between the top two teams in the FIFA world rankings.
Alyssa Naeher had to make only one stop for the top-ranked Americans before 78,346 at London’s famed Wembley Stadium.
Naeher could have been making her final appearance in a U.S. uniform. The 36-year-old announced she would be retiring from international competition after this camp, which concludes with a friendly at the Netherlands on Tuesday.
The U.S. outshot second-ranked England 10-4 to extend an unbeaten run to 19 consecutive matches, a stretch that includes its gold medal showing at the 2024 Olympic Games.
But it was only a draw for the Americans and their England-born coach Emma Hayes after Earps was equal to both of the USA’s best first-half chances.
In the fifth minute, Earps lunged to her left to deny Alyssa Thompson from an excellent position inside the penalty area after a strong run down the right and cross from Emma Sears to create the chance.
In the 32nd minute, it was Thompson playing the provider for Casey Krueger, who also was denied by Earp on a low diving stop.
The Americans continued to pressure in the early stages of the second half, with Leah Williamson making an excellent last-moment clearance in the 53rd minute to deny Lindsey Horan’s close-range effort.
In the 64th minute, referee Lina Lehtovaara pointed to the spot after substitute Yazmeen Ryan’s shot caught the torso and then right arm of England defender Beth Mead’s right arm.
But the decision correctly was reversed after a video review that showed contact with the arm had been indirect.
England’s best moments came in the final half-hour but rarely translated into a threat on Naeher’s goal. The Lionesses only attempt on goal was not particularly dangerous, when Williamson headed Mead’s cross but forced only a routine save in the 55th minute.
–Field Level Media
