Emma Hayes’ USWNT looking to close 2024 in style

Since taking up her position as US women’s head coach in May of this year, Emma Hayes’ record in her 13 games in charge makes for highly impressive reading with 12 wins and just one draw. The English coach also led her team to an Olympic gold medal in the Paris Olympics and quickly papered over the cracks following a hugely disappointing showing at the 2023 World Cup.

The USWNT round off their calendar year with two high profile friendly games as they head to Wembley Stadium to take on the No. 2 ranked Lionesses before facing The Netherlands next Tuesday in The Hague.

England will use the match against the top-ranked Americans as part of their preparations for next summer’s European Championship where they will defend their Euro 2022 title, while the game marks Hayes’ first in England since she left Chelsea at the end of last season for the U.S. job.

Hayes, who grew up in Camden less than 10 miles from Wembley, will undoubtedly get a warm reception in her first match in her home country since taking over the U.S. team. She coached them to Olympic gold and then won the Ballon d’Or as the 2024 Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year.

US without key players

The USWNT squad for the games, feature 15 of the 22 members of the 2024 Olympic Team, but Hayes will be without the entire “Triple Espresso” front line of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson with all three strikers dealing with nagging injuries and need a welcome respite after a long year representing club and country.

However, some big names will be on show for the US with captain Lindsey Horan (159 caps), goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, who confirmed that these will be her final international appearances (113), midfielder Rose Lavelle (108) and defender Emily Sonnett (101) all set for playing time in London and The Hague.

‘No friends’

Speaking to the media ahead of the Wembley clash on Friday, England manager Sarina Wiegman stated that she regards Hayes as a friend, but any congeniality between the two will be set aside on Saturday.

“You really want to beat your friends even more than if it’s not your friend,” Wiegman said.

“It’s really exciting, of course, we play at Wembley, there are going to be like 85,000 people,” she added. “The U.S. won the Olympics, (they are) number one of the world, Emma Hayes there, where we used to collaborate and now we’re opponents, whilst still in the football world we’re actually one family, but we’re absolutely competing tomorrow, so I’m just really looking forward to that.”

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.