Sarina Wiegman vowed to experiment – did USA draw show evolution?

USA head coach Emma Hayes said they expected a “reaction” from England – and felt they faced one despite Wiegman’s side only having one shot on target.

In a game of few clear-cut chances, it was the USA who looked more threatening, having a goal disallowed for offside in the first half and a penalty rightly overturned following a video assistant referee check in the second half.

But England’s defence stepped up to the task and put aside recent criticism after looking shaky this year.

Goalkeeper Mary Earps, given the nod ahead of Hannah Hampton in what felt like a show of faith by Wiegman, put in a confident display and made numerous saves.

She helped form the defence in a 4-4-2 formation – something Wiegman used during England’s run to the Women’s World Cup final in 2023, but has largely moved away from this year.

“That structure felt a bit World Cup vibes. Some of us have played together for a really long time and we know each other really well,” Earps told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“Communication is really important. I felt like we were talking the whole game and finding solutions for problems. We kept them at bay.

“We don’t want celebrate a 0-0 draw but we’ll take it and we’re looking to be firing ahead of the Euros next summer.”

Earps admitted it had been a “tough year” for the Lionesses and they are still “figuring out” how they want to play at Euro 2025 – but this was a step in the right direction, keeping out the USA, albeit in the absence of the visitors’ usual front three.