Sunday, December 22, 2024

England v USA: Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson missing for Wembley friendly

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United States manager Emma Hayes will be without forwards Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson for their forthcoming international friendly against England.

The trio have not been named in the USA’s 24-player squad for the match at Wembley on 30 November (17:20 GMT) with what are described as “nagging injuries” which “need rest after a long year representing club and country”.

Rodman, Smith and Swanson – who have nicknamed themselves the ‘triple espresso’ – were part of the US team which won gold in the women’s football at the Olympic Games in Paris and were among the nominees for the women’s Ballon d’Or.

Hayes has named two uncapped players in the squad – Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, 28, and 20-year-old Utah Royals FC forward Ally Sentnor.

Arsenal defender Emily Fox is the only other player from the Women’s Super League in the party.

The USA also play a friendly against the Netherlands in The Hague on 3 December.

The last time England faced the USA was in a friendly at Wembley in October 2022 when the Lionesses won 2-1 thanks to goals from Lauren Hemp and Georgia Stanway.

Hayes, who left Chelsea in May after winning 14 trophies during her 12-year tenure, is unbeaten in her 13 games in charge of the US, winning 12 and drawing one.

“This is the end of a wonderful year, but we’re still at the beginning of our process of building towards qualifying for the next World Cup,” Hayes said.

“So, this trip will be about testing ourselves against two world-class teams with opportunities to develop our roster.

“We will continue to build relationships on and off the field and I’m really excited to work with this group as we continue to set the stage for 2025.”

England are set to name their squad on Tuesday.

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