England head coach Sarina Wiegman is satisfied Friday's 2-1 win over world champions the United States proves her Lionesses are at a "very high level" less than a year out from the Women's World Cup.
European champions England were playing at the scene of their momentous Euro 2022 triumph on July 31 for the first time, with the USA – the most successful team in women's football – visiting Wembley.
Although only a friendly, pre-game interest around the match was significant with it said to have been the fastest-selling England fixture – men or women – at the new Wembley.
The crowd was treated to an entertaining contest, with Lauren Hemp giving England an early lead as she pounced on a failed interception in the penalty area.
Sophia Smith levelled in the 28th minute after England lost possession just outside their own box, but Georgia Stanway quickly restored the advantage from the spot after Lucy Bronze was caught by a high boot.
A marginal offside call a few moments later denied USA a well-worked equaliser and England ultimately held firm in the second half, with a VAR review overturning a late penalty award for the visitors and leaving Wiegman happy but philosophical.
"That was really intense, just what we wanted," she told ITV Sport. "USA played as we expected, they gave us hard times sometimes, which is normal as they are really good.
"I thought we played well in moments, actually in the first half a little better than the second. In the second we had some problems to get out of the press, but it's 2-1 and I think it was a great game."
Asked if this victory will put a target on their back as the team to beat at next year's World Cup, she added: "The target is there all the time!
"We said before this game, yes we want to play the game, win the game, but whatever happens this is just the starting point for getting prepared for the World Cup.
"But of course it's really nice when you win the game and show shows you are at a very high level."
The Lionesses appeared to ride their luck on occasion, particularly with regard to the tight offside call in their favour to deny the USA an equaliser.
USA had luck in behind more than once, but Wiegman felt that although England were not perfect, their high press and aggressive nature off the ball was what she wanted to see.
"I understand [the defensive concerns], sometimes we were very open, played with a lot of space in the back and we know the USA are very quick, a very athletic team," he said.
"We didn't choose to just drop back to get the space behind the defence very small, we just wanted to play a game with the high press.
"In those moments, we knew that, but it's something we will review and see if we can do better, but this is how we want to play."
Al-Ittihad 2-1 Al-Nassr: Bergwijn nets last-gasp winner for leaders
Steven Bergwijn's last-gasp winner earned Al-Ittihad a huge victory in their quest for the Saudi Pro League title, beating Al-Nassr 2-1 at King Abdullah Sports City on Friday.
Karim Benzema had given the hosts a 55th-minute lead before Cristiano Ronaldo levelled two minutes later, but Bergwijn struck the decisive blow in second half stoppage time.
In a tepid opening 45 minutes, clear-cut chances were hard to come by, with Bergwijn and Benzema going closest for the hosts, but unable to trouble Bento.
However, Al-Ittihad got themselves in front shortly after the break when Muhannad Al Shanqiti picked out Benzema, with the Frenchman on hand to tuck the ball home.
But the hosts' joy was short-lived after Angelo saw his effort cleared off the line by Danilo Pereira, before the Brazilian laid the ball back to Ronaldo to level the scoring.
With the game looking to end all square, Al-Ittihad stole the three points at the death as Bergwijn cut inside before curling a right-footed effort into the far-left corner.
The result moved Al-Ittihad three points clear at the summit, though Al-Hilal can go level with them with a win over Al-Raed on Saturday. Al-Nassr, meanwhile, stayed in fourth.
Data Debrief: Bergwijn bursts Ronaldo's bubble
Al-Ittihad have often been second best in their encounters with Al-Nassr, but they earned an impressive victory against Ronaldo's side, though it may not have been deserved.
They managed an expected goals (xG) total of just 0.66 from their 11 shots compared to Al-Nassr's 1.2 from the same number of attempts.
Benzema also ended his goal drought against Al-Nassr, having failed to score against them in his previous game against them. The former Madrid striker ended the game with a team-high xG of 0.36, while also having more shots (seven) and touches in the opposition box (four) than any of his team-mates.
Al-Ittihad have now won their last nine league matches, their second-longest streak in the competition after 10 wins between October 2021 and February 2022, while also triumphing in their eighth-straight home match in the Pro League.
Wiegman unfazed by lack of goals as experimental England beat Switzerland
Sarina Wiegman attempted to allay fears about England's attacking shortcomings after an experimental Lionesses lineup edged out Switzerland 1-0 at Bramall Lane.
Manchester United's Grace Clinton scored the only goal of Tuesday's friendly in the eighth minute, as England rounded off 2024 with a hard-fought victory.
Wiegman made 10 changes to her starting lineup following their goalless draw with the United States last weekend, and the European champions were not at their free-flowing best in attack once again.
They only hit the target with three of their 13 shots and they have now failed to score in two of their last four matches, having not done so in 13 straight games following their loss to Spain in the 2023 World Cup final.
Wiegman, though, is sure they will be better when they begin their Women's Nations League campaign in February.
"We played a good first half, we totally played in their half of the pitch and created chances," Wiegman said of England's performance.
"We just found spaces, overloads and pockets. In the second half we didn't do that.
"They pressed a bit higher, but we were more sloppy and that was a harder half."
Asked if England's attacking issues were a long-term concern, she added: "No, I don't see that. We played many players and we did different things.
"We are just trying out these things and learning as much about ourselves. In February we go again."
Despite winning the last edition of the Euros in 2022, England will be in pot two alongside Italy, Iceland and Denmark when the Euro 2025 group-stage draw takes place on December 16.
As tournament hosts, Switzerland will be in pot one alongside world champions Spain, as well as Germany and France.
Kelly and Kirby ruled out of England friendly with Switzerland
Chloe Kelly and Fran Kirby will miss England's friendly with Switzerland on Tuesday, manager Sarina Wiegman has confirmed.
Forward Kelly will be absent due to concussion protocols, while midfielder Kirby is absent with a calf problem.
Both players were brought on as substitutes in England's goalless draw with the United States at Wembley on Saturday.
Speaking ahead of the showdown with Switzerland at Bramall Lane, Wiegman revealed she intends to rotate her side.
Millie Bright, an unused substitute last time out, is one of those who will get game time in Sheffield.
"It was a hard decision," Wiegman told BBC Sport on her decision not to use Brighton against USA.
"We've played four defenders the most in the last period so I chose to balance it out against USA.
"Of course, that's very hard for Millie. Against Switzerland she will play and I'm happy that she is fit and can take that opportunity."
Last time the #Lionesses played at Bramall Lane!
Sealing our spot in the #WEURO2022 FINAL pic.twitter.com/ZWf0OX4ykl
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) December 2, 2024
England are unbeaten in 11 previous meetings with Switzerland, winning all but one of those.
The Lionesses have only faced Finland (13 times) and Northern Ireland (12 times) more often without ever losing in their history.
However, Wiegman is expecting a difficult contest against a side ranked 25th in the world – some 23 places below England.
"I think they will be hard to break down," Wiegman said. "They play in a really compact way but are not scared to get in behind quickly. We have warned about those situations."
This will be England's fourth game at Bramall Lane, having won each of the previous three by an aggregate score of 11-0.
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