Five of England’s most memorable meetings with the USA

Over the years, England and the USA have played out some exciting encounters, dating back to their first-ever meeting in 1985.

We take a look back at a handful of those memorable matches.

England 2-1 USA

7 October 2022

The Lionesses were welcomed home by a sell-out crowd in a game which pitted the European champions against the world champions at Wembley. But it was Sarina Wiegman’s side who came out on top in front of over 76,000 fans.

Lauren Hemp broke the deadlock just 10 minutes in, only for the visitors to equalise through Sophia Smith, before Georgia Stanway restored England’s lead from the spot later in the half. The USA had a goal chalked off before seeing a penalty decision overturned as the Lionesses’ unbeaten streak stretched to 23 games.

USA 0-1 England

4 March 2017

The USA were a team in form when the two sides locked horns in the SheBelieves Cup back in 2017. However, Jill Ellis’ team saw their own run of 26 games without defeat come to an end at the Red Bull Arena.

Second-half substitute Ellen White netted an 88th minute winner as the 27 year old made it 20 goals in 60 appearances for her country. For England, it marked their first win over their transatlantic opponents since April 2011.

England 2-1 USA

2 April 2011

The Lionesses had been made to wait over two decades to taste victory against the USA, having recorded their last win in 1988. It eventually came at Brisbane Road around three months out from the start of England’s 2011 World Cup campaign.

Jess Clarke and Rachel Yankey made the score-sheet for Hope Powell’s team, who became the first side to beat the USA in an international fixture since 2004. Megan Rapinoe halved the deficit for the visitors as it finished 2-1.

England 2-0 USA

27 July 1988

England made it consecutive victories over the USA in the Mundialito – an invitational tournament introduced in the 1980s which translates as the ‘little World Cup’.

The Lionesses registered a 2-0 win over the USA before going on to win the competition for a second time. And it was a display that paved the way for England to be named the Team of the Year at the inaugural Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year awards.

England 3-1 USA

23 August 1985

An England side which featured the likes of Carol Thomas, Kerry Davis, Linda Curl, Brenda Sempare and Hope Powell overcame the USA, who were making their debut on the international stage in the Mundialito.

The Lionesses ran out 3-1 winners over the USA en route to the final in a first-ever meeting between the two teams in Italy. England went on to beat the host nation 3-2 to lay claim to the crown as Thomas skippered the side to victory in her 50th game as captain.

Proud to induct an England legend to the #NFMHallOfFame today at training...🏆@First_2_Fifty was the first player to earn 50 caps for the #Lionesses, the first skipper to lead us to a UEFA final, and the first to win the Mundialito.

Congrats, Carol Thomas! 🤝 pic.twitter.com/86V9HQbYjc

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) November 23, 2021