Sarina Wiegman and Ian Wright give verdict on England’s victory over world champions USA

England beat world champions the United States for the first time in five years in a friendly attended by more than 76,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.

Manchester City winger Lauren Hemp, playing as a false nine, gave the European champions an early lead before USA equalised through Sophia Smith.

But USA were level for just five minutes as Georgia Stanway scored from the penalty spot after a high boot on Lucy Bronze.

The visitors came close to scoring another equaliser – seeing a goal ruled out for a marginal offside and VAR intervening to overturn a penalty – but England held on to continue their superb momentum under Sarina Wiegman.

The Lionesses are yet to lose under the Dutch coach, winning 21 of their 23 matches and scoring 120 goals in the process.

Meanwhile, England’s 2-1 win ends USA’s unbeaten run – they had won 18 and drawn three of their last 21 matches in all competitions.

England boss Wiegman said: ‘That was really intense, just what we wanted.

‘USA played as we expected, they gave us hard times sometimes. I thought we played well in moments, better first half than second.’

Asked if her Lionesses side are now the favourites to win next year’s World Cup, Wiegman added: ‘The target is there all the time!

‘Whatever happens we know this is just a starting point for the World Cup, but it shows you are at a very high level.’

Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright was impressed by the Lionesses’ Wembley win and said he will ‘never question’ Wiegman as the side continue to flourish.

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