Much-improved England battle out goalless draw with the United States | OneFootball

England put in a much-improved defensive performance as they held the United States to a goalless draw at Wembley.

The Lionesses looked shaky at the back during the October international window but they kept Emma Hayes’ Gold Medal-winning United States side relatively quiet in their latest international friendly outing at the national stadium this evening.

The first half was keenly-contested but decent goalscoring chances were very much at a premium. The best opportunities fell the United States’ way, however, The Stars and Stripes found England keeper Mary Earps in good form. Earps pulled off an excellent diving save to deny Alyssa Thompson after five minutes before keeping out a Casey Krueger effort later in the half.

The Americans looked the stronger side in the first half and they came out for the second period in confident mood. Within five minutes of the restart, captain Lindsey Horan had the ball in the back of the net but the goal was disallowed for offside. The forward soon found herself in on goal again but disappointingly dragged her effort wide.

England rallied and they got the ball into some dangerous positions in the opposition box but they struggled to test United States keeper Alyssa Naeher.

In the 65th minute, England were dealt a scare when the referee awarded a penalty for an alleged handball by Alex Greenwood, however, the decision was cancelled following a secondary pitchside VAR review.

England head coach Sarina Wiegman threw on Chloe Kelly and Fran Kirby in a bid to find the winning goal but the Lionesses were unable to carve out any real chances as the game ended goalless.

England are next in action on Tuesday evening when they take on Switzerland in an international friendly at Bramall Lane in Sheffield.