Updated: Nov 30, 2024, 02:49 pm
Mary Earps made three stops before half-time to help England preserve a goalless draw against the United States in a blockbuster friendly on Saturday between the top two teams in the FIFA world rankings.
Alyssa Naeher had to make only one stop for the top-ranked USWNT in front of a 78,346-strong crowd at Wembley Stadium -- a record for a women's international friendly.
The 36-year-old announced she would be retiring from international competition after this camp, which concludes with a friendly against Netherlands on Tuesday.
The U.S. outshot second-ranked England 10-4 to extend an unbeaten run to 19 consecutive matches, a stretch that includes its gold medal showing at the 2024 Olympic Games.
But it was a draw for the USWNT's English coach Emma Hayes after Earps was equal to both of the away side's best first-half chances.
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
In the fifth minute, Earps lunged to her left to deny Alyssa Thompson from an excellent position inside the penalty area after a strong run down the right and cross from Emma Sears to create the chance.
In the 32nd minute, it was Thompson playing the provider for Casey Krueger, who also was denied by Earps' low diving stop.
The USWNT continued to pressure in the early stages of the second half, with Leah Williamson making an excellent last-moment clearance in the 53rd minute to deny Lindsey Horan's close-range effort.
In the 64th minute, referee Lina Lehtovaara pointed to the spot after substitute Yazmeen Ryan's shot caught the torso and then right arm of England defender Alex Greenwood's right arm.
But the decision was reversed after an intervention from the video assistant referee (VAR) that showed contact with the arm had been indirect.
England's best moments came in the final 30 minutes but rarely translated into a threat on Naeher's goal. The hosts' only attempt on goal was not particularly dangerous, when Williamson headed Mead's cross but forced only a routine save in the 55th minute.
