England defeated the USA 2-1 in a thrilling match at Wembley. Goals from Lauren Hemp and Georgia Stanway cancelled out Sophia Smith's leveller. Despite being a friendly on paper, this tie was billed as the 'European vs World champions’ and it’s the Lionesses who emerged with the bragging rights. This was England’s first game at the home of football since their historic Euro 2022 triumph and they delivered another fine display in front of a packed Wembley crowd of 76,891. 

What happened in England vs USA? 

There was never a dull moment during the game, as both teams looked to play direct and with intent. 

With no Alessia Russo or Ellen White, Sarina Wiegman chose to start Hemp through the middle and it proved to be a masterstroke –– the Man City forward scoring just 10 minutes into the game. 

Stanway gifted Smith an equaliser soon after but immediately made up for the error by converting a penalty that Lucy Bronze had won. 

England's Lauren Hemp scores vs USA

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 07: Lauren Hemp of England celebrates after scoring their team's first goal during the Women's International Friendly match between England and USA at Wembley Stadium on October 07, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Trinity Rodman then levelled the tie again, only for VAR to rule Smith offside in the build-up. 

The second half produced countless half-chances but no more goals as the Lionesses held on for their first victory over the USA in five years. 

The USA were awarded a penalty when Hemp was judged to have handled in the box, but VAR once again overruled. 

BUY OUR LEAH WILLIAMSON T-SHIRT HERE

Leah Williamson t-shirt

More VAR drama

It wouldn’t be a proper of game football without some VAR controversy and that proved to be the case once again, with Rodman’s disallowed goal dividing opinion. 

Ian Wright slammed the decision, saying: "This is not what VAR is here for.” 

Similarly, US icon Alex Morgan, who missed the game through injury, wrote on Twitter: "I can't see any offside in that play. And the ref didn't even check the video herself. Anyone else wondering why exactly the goal was called back?"

WATCH: Ian Wright slams Trinity Rodman's disallowed goal

Another memorable night at Wembley 

Though the attendance could not match the 87,000 that turned up to the Euro 2022 final, this was yet more proof that there is a huge demand for women’s football. 

The Wembley crowd were boisterous throughout the evening and we will surely see more of the Lionesses at this stadium again in the near future.  

Are England the best team in the world? 

Wiegman remains undefeated as England manager, while the USA’s 21-match unbeaten streak has now come to an end. 

It’s easy to forget that this England starting eleven was missing captain Williamson, as well as Russo and the now-retired White. 

Yet, the Lionesses were deserving victors in the end, even if the USA did come on strong in the second half. 

Technically, England will have to wait till the World Cup next year until they can fully claim to be the best team on the planet, but right now, they are certainly the team to beat.