2022 has already been a year to remember for England’s women’s football team, with their Euro 2022 win ending the country’s 56-year wait for a major trophy whilst also increasing national interest in the women’s game. With that in mind, the visit of double world champions the USA was always going to be a match that current and new fans would look forward to, and it did not disappoint, with the two teams putting on a performance that demonstrated why both are currently in possession of major titles.
This tactical analysis will look in greater depth at both sides’ performances, looking at how the USA’s press caught England out in the first half and how they changed their game plan as the match went on, whilst also identifying how England’s key tactics caused problems for their opponents, but also how mistakes let them down at key moments.
Lineups
England manager Sarina Wiegman had a few selection headaches ahead of this game, with the influential captain and Arsenal Women centre-back Leah Williamson ruled out with an ankle problem in the build-up, joining Manchester United Women striker Alessia Russo and West Ham United Women defender Lucy Parker in withdrawing from the squad. Ellen White’s retirement meant that Wiegman had no fit strikers in her squad, so Manchester City Women’s Lauren Hemp operated in a false nine role, with club teammate Chloe Kelly and England women’s player of the year Beth Mead either side of her. Alex Greenwood partnered Millie Bright, who had been given the captain’s armband, in central defence, whilst Aston Villa Women’s Rachel Daly, who has impressed as a forward for her club this season, was once again positioned at left-back.
USA head coach Vlatko Andonovski also had injury problems in this match, with key players including Alex Morgan, Mallory Pugh, Christen Press and Catarina Macario all currently out of action. As a result, Washington Spirit captain Andi Sullivan was handed a start in front of the defensive line, whilst fellow Spirit player Trinity Rodman was included in a wide attacking role and Portland Thorns top scorer Sophia Smith led the line. Lindsey Horan had the captain’s armband, with regular skipper Becky Sauerbrunn on the bench, and San Diego Wave star Naomi Girma was selected to partner Alana Cook in central defence.
