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England Women host USA Women in a friendly at Wembley Stadium |
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The Lionesses host the Stars and Stripes in a 'friendly' at Prenton Park South. Emma has brought her Olympic Gold medal winners to get revenge for their defeat here 2 years ago. Both sides have a few missing, among them are LJ and Hempo. The defence looks better than against Germany with Jess Carter in the middle and Alex on the left. Mary, Leah and Lucy make up the backline. The midfield is the usual duo of Walsh and Stanway but they are joined this time by Jess Park in the 10 role. Up front are Jess Naz, Beth Mead and Russo. Lyon’s Lindsey Horan starts as does the Gunners Emily Fox. Emma did her press conference in a Camden pub pulling pints. Hope she is not looking that happy and relaxed at the final whistle.
The light show and fireworks are better than last time. The National anthems play and were off. The Lionesses get some good early possession with Jess Naz and Jess Park lively up front. It’s a very even game and that’s keeping the crowd quiet. The momentum shifts backwards and forwards. Mary makes a good save on 33. The US start to get the better of the possession but are unable to break down the Lionesses defence. The game really needs something in the second half.
There are no changes for the hosts at the break. The USA replace Emily Sears with Yasmine Ryan. They are better from the start. The ball is soon in the back of the Lionesses net courtesy of Linday Horan on 49 but it’s ruled out for off-side. Phew! and Ha-Ha in equal measure. Rose Lavelle is playing really well and we are struggling to find the answers, only just coping with the USA pressure. We start to get a bit of energy with Bronze and Park working well together. Against the run of play, the ref gives the US a penalty for a handball by Alex Greenwood. The ref cancels it after she watches it back on the VAR replay. Phew! and double Ha-Ha. The visitors make some changes and we can see Chloe and Fran ready but there is a big delay before they eventually come on for Jesses Naz and Park who have had a mixed game. It's a bit of an end to end for a while with the U.S. getting some joy down their right with Lavelle but Greenwood and Carter are equal to it. It ends goalless and thrilless.
The was not a great watch but a big defensive improvement form England compared to last time. The defence looked solid which is a huge relief. Jess was more comfortable in the middle and Alex is awesome on the left. Both have great long pass in them too. It was two very good sides nullifying each other although the U.S. will be the most disappointed not to have taken the win. Mary Queen of Stops was at the top of her game tonight . She brings great presence in big games. So the draw means that Emma and Serena will be going Dutch on their post match pub crawl tonight 🍸🍹🍷🍺. Enjoy, it’s been well earned🍻.
POTM: She’s back! Mary 🏅 kept the score level when the going got tough🧤.
The ref had a good game with the assistance of VAR to get the big decisions right.
The Scran’O’meter loves a Spoons brunch on Victoria Station. Should have stayed there.
Bottle top news: There is no news. The stewards weren’t interested and all bottle tops remained intact.
The stewarding was excellent but the numbers were incredible. expecting a protest with the USA in town perhaps.
Love Tranmerekat 🐾
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| Smokin' |
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| Pyro time |
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| Hello |
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| Near the front |
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| Prenton Park South |
