Much-improved England battled to a goalless draw against the USA

The Lionesses looked uncertain at the back during the October international window but they kept Emma Hayes’ gold medal-winning United States side relatively quiet in their final international friendly at the National Stadium this evening.

The first half was hard fought, but good chances to score were very rare. The United States had the best chances, but the Stars and Stripes found England goalkeeper Mary Earps in fine form. Earps made an excellent save to deny Alyssa Thompson after five minutes before denying an attempt by Casey Krueger later in the half.

The Americans appeared to be the stronger team in the first half and came out of the game confident in the second half. Five minutes after the restart, captain Lindsey Horan had the ball in the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside. The striker soon found herself back in goal but disappointingly failed to score.

England rallied and got the ball into some dangerous positions in the opposition penalty area, but struggled to test US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.

In the 65th minute, England were terrified when the referee awarded a penalty for an alleged handball by Alex Greenwood. However, the decision was overturned after a second pitchside VAR review.

England head coach Sarina Wiegman relied on Chloe Kelly and Fran Kirby to score the winner, but the Lionesses were unable to create 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.