Olympic champions US held to goalless draw by England at Wembley

LONDON :England's women held Olympic champions United States to a scoreless draw in a friendly at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, ending the Americans' nine-game winning streak in the battle between the world's top two nations.

The number one-ranked Americans, who are unbeaten in 19 matches, forced England goalkeeper Mary Earps to make several huge saves, and then had goal from Lindsey Horan chalked off early in the second half for offside.

The American players celebrated briefly again minutes later when the referee pointed to the penalty spot believing England defender Alex Greenwood had handled the ball. The decision was overturned after a VAR check.

"Very intense game. It is at the highest level," England manager Sarina Wiegman told ITV. "We had some moments. As a team, we defended really well and we could have pressed them. Lots of learnings from this game. Very intense game and hope everyone who watched it liked the team."

Wiegman's second-ranked England, who were using the game as part of their preparations for Euro 2025 where they will be defending champions, grew into the game and Beth Mead blazed a late shot just wide of the post in one of their best chances.

"It was tough, as you'd expect against the Olympic champions," Earps told ITV. "We were hard to beat and resolute and stuck together as a group. There are things to build on but I think we will take a 0-0."

Earps started in net on Saturday ahead of Hannah Hampton.

"We know how good (Earps) is," Wiegman said. "The competition with her with Hannah is very good and she showed up today."

The friendly in front of 78,346 fans at Wembley marked Emma Hayes's first game back in her home country since she left Chelsea after 12 years to coach the U.S. team in May.

Both sides