As the final whistle blew at Wembley Stadium in October 2022, the scoreboard read England 2, USA 1. The Lionesses had just claimed a historic victory over their American rivals in front of a record-breaking crowd. Fast forward to November 2024, and these two giants of women’s soccer are set to renew their burgeoning rivalry once again on the hallowed turf of Wembley.
Bronze Relishes Latest Chapter in Storied Rivalry
England defender Lucy Bronze couldn’t hide her excitement when discussing the upcoming clash with the United States. The Manchester City star emphasized the respect and competitiveness that defines this relatively new but increasingly significant rivalry.
As long as I’ve been an England player, it’s been one of the most exciting games to play in. We always play them in big occasions. There seems to be a rivalry that’s been blossomed out of nowhere over the past decade.
Lucy Bronze on the England-USA rivalry
Bronze lauded the achievements and influence of the U.S. Women’s National Team, acknowledging how their success both on and off the pitch has inspired the Lionesses, particularly in the aftermath of England’s triumphant Euro 2022 campaign.
USWNT’s Olympic Gold a Stern Test for England
The USA enter this friendly as the reigning Olympic champions, having clinched the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games. Bronze believes facing a side of their caliber will provide invaluable lessons for England as they gear up to defend their European crown next year.
I think it’s a good level because of the fact that the U.S. have just won the Olympic gold medal. I think it takes a lot to win a tournament. Obviously, we know that to win the Olympics, you have to be intense, you have to be ruthless, you have to have the crazy mentality.
Lucy Bronze on the challenge posed by the USWNT
Familiar Foes: Recalling Past Encounters
This will be the first meeting between England and the USA since that memorable friendly at Wembley in 2022. However, their most famous encounter to date remains the 2019 World Cup semi-final, where the Americans edged past the Lionesses 2-1 en route to lifting the trophy.
The upcoming match also marks a homecoming for former Chelsea boss Emma Hayes, who will be leading the USWNT for the first time on English soil since taking charge earlier this year.
Lionesses Eager to Measure Progress
For England, this friendly represents a crucial barometer of their development as they aim to build on the momentum generated by their historic Euros triumph. Bronze and her teammates will be keen to showcase their growth against the four-time World Cup winners.
If we can go toe-to-toe with a team like that, see the mentality that it takes, learn from any mistakes that we make in the game, maybe learn from them, push ourselves and show what we’re capable of as well show what we can do against the top team like that.
Lucy Bronze on the importance of the USA test
As the anticipation builds for this latest chapter in the England-USA rivalry, one thing is certain: when these two heavyweights of women’s soccer collide, sparks are guaranteed to fly. The Lionesses will be hoping to roar to victory and further cement their status as the queens of the global game.
With the European Championships on home soil looming large, Sarina Wiegman’s side will be determined to lay down a marker against their American counterparts. A win at Wembley would not only provide a timely confidence boost but also serve as a warning to their continental rivals.
As for the USWNT, they will be equally motivated to reassert their dominance and show why they remain the standard-bearers in women’s soccer. With a new coach at the helm and a point to prove, the Stars and Stripes will be firing on all cylinders.
The stage is set for an epic encounter between two teams at the pinnacle of their powers. When the Lionesses and the USWNT battle it out under the arch, expect nothing less than passion, intensity, and world-class soccer. This is a rivalry that continues to captivate fans around the globe – and November 30th promises to be its latest thrilling instalment.
