England - 0.07-0.40 xG (depending on which model you use) USWNT - 1.10-1.40 xG (depending on which model you use) wasn't that close of a match, really, gents. England had one (1) good 15 minute spell in the second half just after the weird and bad VAR check for a penalty and created nothing beyond a soft header from 10 yards out that dribbled into Naeher's arms. the field tilt is actually pretty insane and comprehensive (ref: sofascore). Sears and Horan are really the only two players you could point to on the US side and say they didn't make the most out of their starts. everyone else showed out and left England to (statistically) produce their most offensively anemic performance since Sarina joined up. pretty impressive for a bunch of NWSL players who just finished their seasons in the end. looking forward to Lilly and what this midfield combination looks like tonight now.
Hey guys, great commentary. Personally I thought this felt a lot like the Sweden match in the 23 WC: the US definitely played better overall (and it wasn’t super super close) but the final third was just broken for us. The US press was really effective and fun to watch. I don’t think it is necessarily a talent problem when Triple Espresso is missing (though there is some element of a small talent drop off) but I think there is less chemistry and connection, which is why these camps are so important for building those relationships. I was really disappointed on that late run Fox made to the goal line and not one of the 3 or 4 Americans in the box made a run to capitalize on her ball in. Just disconnected and disjointed in the attacking third.
There seems to be a Cat Macario sized hole at 10, that no one has been able to consistently fill, including Macario. Lots of talent, lots of options, just not clicking yet.
Great call on the chemistry piece, Blue. The link-up play between any combination of Swanson-Smith-Rodman just wrecks defenses, and a team can't recreate that on the fly -- even when they put in other very talented players. It'll be interesting to see what a few more days do for the team and how that press bothers the Dutch back line. I think Sherida Spitse and company are going to be in a for a challenge, but you know they'll be up for it. Thanks for always dropping knowledge in the comments, my good man! -- Grant
Totally right on Cat Macario. I have to think she is the No. 10 Hayes is waiting for, but she's exercising patience as Macario works her way back to fully 100 percent. Macario had some greta minutes vs. Celtic in the UWCL, but you can tell she's still moving a little gingerly at times. Her performances should be a must-watch for USWNT fans. Thanks for the call-out! -- Grant
Probably not a popular take, so first, much respect to u both Felt pretty bad for the 78k that showed up to see the match. England still licking wounds from last month, played low block and without their most dynamic goal scorers, just worked on shoring up their defensive strategy USA blooding new players good in theory, but could’ve done it against high quality Netherlands team. missed opportunity to show Europe that women’s football is here, can crush it, worth packing stadiums for. Don’t tell me Trinity wouldn’t have been licking her chops to take on Williamson, knock or no knock. Appreciate you both, and huge USWNT fan. Anyway, good showing from Ryan.
I can definitely see your perspective on this. A match with at least *some* scoring would have been nice for the big crowd. England looked slow and out-of-sorts on defense vs. Germany, so you're definitely right about them trying to shore some things up. And I suppose I'll just be honest about how Williamson would have matched up against Rodman -- I don't think many England supporters would have "fancied" Williamson's chances in that one... Thanks for kicking it with us, and hopefully we see some goals in Holland! -- Grant
LJ the difference maker? Maybe, but I get the feeling Sam Coffey likes a challenge -- definitely another matchup I'd pay to see. BTW, I just watched Italy beat Germany 2-1 -- Italy were able to capitalize on defensive blunders.
GREAT call on LJ vs. Coffey. That would have been awesome. We're going to talk to our pal Peter Weis about that Germany-Italy match soon. He was in the building for that one, so if you have anything you want us to ask about, please let us know. Thanks for kicking knowledge to us, Gretchen. We always appreciate your view on things! -- Grant
The US look like the more dangerous and organized team all night. The way that the defense moved like a tactical unit was going to be too much for England to overcome. They way they cut off passes and stopped plays was beautiful. We should have won that game outright. That was disappointing. But I understand this is a necessary learning exercise for the younger players. It’s about exposure and international experience etc. I know you like LJames but buddy, even she wouldn’t have saved you the way that the US defense was playing. I knew England was in trouble when they dropped into that low block. They remind me how the US looked under Vlatko at the end: stagnant, in need of new talent and new ideas. I dont follow England closely but I heard the streets are talking about Sarina’s coaching so…🤷 Maybe not so surprising. Anyway the youngins look good. Im digging how Emma is building the team slowly. I fully expect a phase out plan for older players like Lynn, Lindsey and Rose. I believe their replacements are already in camp. Just think what this team will be with additions like Macario, Bethune, Fishel, Staub, Pruce etc. The future is bright. Can wait to see Lily at the Hauge
I think on-balance you're right about USA looking more dangerous for the entirety of the match. There were definitely moments where England was pinned back and had a hard time fighting off USA's press, but I thought they were usually able to get out of it before panic-time would set in. I have not heard the streets talking about Sarina's status with the team, so I'll keep my ear closer to said streets! You're right about the future looking bright for the Stars and Stripes. I think a key difference that I meant to hit during this show was that USA was clearly more comfortable playing their younger talent in this match. It seemed noteworthy that USA brought on Albert, Shaw, and Sentnor (even if it was only for a few minutes), who are all 21 or younger, and England brought on two vets in Kirby and Kelly (Kelly's not "old," but ya know what I mean). And you know we definitely agree about seeing Yohannes play in Holland. Should be a great moment. Thanks for rocking with us! -- Grant
I thought Fox and Girma were fantastic and up to the challenge, our defense was very good! Thompson was giving Bronze everything she could handle plus more, and England sure looked gassed overall. The Lionesses have their work cut out for them before the Euros if they want to repeat as Champs!
Totally agree. I think Girma and Fox were overall the two best players on the field for USA -- and maybe from both sides. Spain and Germany definitely worry me in the Euros, but I also wonder if France or Norway could knock off England if they get their programs back on track. That leads to the question, though: Who do you have winning the Euros? Thanks for the insight and for checking out the show! -- Grant
Great stuff, guys, but I called it after the October camp: Sorry to be the first to inform you, but Jenna Nighswonger will not be starting in any meaningful games for Emma Hayes. Ever. Amoros dropped her for Freeman v Rodman. Hayes dropped her for Krueger v Naz. She, unfortunately would be the glaring weak-link in an otherwise dominating back 4 of all-world defenders. She would be targeted. Hayes has now officially come to this conclusion. I generally think your LJ theory is off-base, but if Hayes allowed a healthy LJ to go to work against Nighswonger, it's at least plausible. So, you can go ahead and preemptively scratch her from any future lineups you may be inclined to publish.
Credit where it's due, Dolph. I think you were the first person -- maybe the only person -- in the comment section who didn't think Nighswonger was going to get consistent playing time under Hayes. Whaddya think -- will she get left off future squads altogether? Let's say you're picking 23 players for the World Cup: Do you keep her on as a defender/midfield hybrid because of her passing, or do you think she's just too much of a defensive liability? Thanks for checking out the show. -- Grant
@IntoTheChannelPod If Krueger were 24, not 34, Hayes would be happy keeping the defensive third as a no-fly zone, and Nighswonger would be phased-out by SheBelieves. Long-term, I think it's an open competition until she finds a left-footed competent defender. Hayes could try Davidson there. Malonson and Vignola are still options. Or, Hayes may take on the project of converting a freak athlete like Ryan into a into a leftback/wingback. Nighswonger's future utility is still uncertain.
Didn't realize y'all were so biased toward England. You must be delighted with the result. I assure you the Americans were not at all happy drawing. No mention of Horan's again, lack of impact. Hope Emma lets the kids play v Netherlands.
That's definitely my England fandom shining through. I should have said that I have a policy to never root "against" USA, though. I definitely love watching them play every time they take the pitch. We probably could have mentioned Horan's lack of impact more. I think maybe Dino said something about her having an average game or something, but you're right we didn't talk much about it. I'm absolutely down to see more of the younger players give it a go in Holland. Anyone you're specifically psyched to see out there? Thanks so much for checking out the show and leaving a comment! -- Grant
Hi guys, firstly, I hope that you guys had a good Thanksgiving. I lived in the USA for about ten years as a kid, and it really is a special time. As for the game, I really enjoyed it. This was one of England's better performances recently., although a lot of that was down to Mary Earps. Certainly compared to Alyssa Naher, who I think only had one saved to make. The US defense was outstanding. One thing that surprised me was when the commentators said that these were the top two FIFA ranked teams. I had no idea that England were ranked that high, especially after a lot of mediocre performances this year. But rankings schmankings, any of the top six or seven could beat each other on any given day. The US of course missed Triple Espresso, but the biggest miss for England was definitely Lauren Hemp. Before her injury, she was playing the best football of her career. Both Man City and England look almost ordinary without her. She was playing Ballon d'Or worthy type football. Jeez, I hope she can come back to playing like that again real soon. All the best to you guys. Love kicking it with you.
💚🤍💚 Great work guys. Easily the most intelligent reviews out there. Unfortunately intelligence has never been too popular with homo sapiens; none the less, let it be it's own reward. Keep it up. You are appreciated.
England - 0.07-0.40 xG (depending on which model you use)
USWNT - 1.10-1.40 xG (depending on which model you use)
wasn't that close of a match, really, gents. England had one (1) good 15 minute spell in the second half just after the weird and bad VAR check for a penalty and created nothing beyond a soft header from 10 yards out that dribbled into Naeher's arms. the field tilt is actually pretty insane and comprehensive (ref: sofascore).
Sears and Horan are really the only two players you could point to on the US side and say they didn't make the most out of their starts. everyone else showed out and left England to (statistically) produce their most offensively anemic performance since Sarina joined up. pretty impressive for a bunch of NWSL players who just finished their seasons in the end. looking forward to Lilly and what this midfield combination looks like tonight now.
Hey guys, great commentary. Personally I thought this felt a lot like the Sweden match in the 23 WC: the US definitely played better overall (and it wasn’t super super close) but the final third was just broken for us. The US press was really effective and fun to watch.
I don’t think it is necessarily a talent problem when Triple Espresso is missing (though there is some element of a small talent drop off) but I think there is less chemistry and connection, which is why these camps are so important for building those relationships. I was really disappointed on that late run Fox made to the goal line and not one of the 3 or 4 Americans in the box made a run to capitalize on her ball in. Just disconnected and disjointed in the attacking third.
There seems to be a Cat Macario sized hole at 10, that no one has been able to consistently fill, including Macario. Lots of talent, lots of options, just not clicking yet.
Great call on the chemistry piece, Blue. The link-up play between any combination of Swanson-Smith-Rodman just wrecks defenses, and a team can't recreate that on the fly -- even when they put in other very talented players.
It'll be interesting to see what a few more days do for the team and how that press bothers the Dutch back line. I think Sherida Spitse and company are going to be in a for a challenge, but you know they'll be up for it.
Thanks for always dropping knowledge in the comments, my good man! -- Grant
Totally right on Cat Macario. I have to think she is the No. 10 Hayes is waiting for, but she's exercising patience as Macario works her way back to fully 100 percent. Macario had some greta minutes vs. Celtic in the UWCL, but you can tell she's still moving a little gingerly at times. Her performances should be a must-watch for USWNT fans.
Thanks for the call-out! -- Grant
Probably not a popular take, so first, much respect to u both
Felt pretty bad for the 78k that showed up to see the match.
England still licking wounds from last month, played low block and without their most dynamic goal scorers, just worked on shoring up their defensive strategy
USA blooding new players good in theory, but could’ve done it against high quality Netherlands team. missed opportunity to show Europe that women’s football is here, can crush it, worth packing stadiums for.
Don’t tell me Trinity wouldn’t have been licking her chops to take on Williamson, knock or no knock.
Appreciate you both, and huge USWNT fan.
Anyway, good showing from Ryan.
I can definitely see your perspective on this. A match with at least *some* scoring would have been nice for the big crowd.
England looked slow and out-of-sorts on defense vs. Germany, so you're definitely right about them trying to shore some things up. And I suppose I'll just be honest about how Williamson would have matched up against Rodman -- I don't think many England supporters would have "fancied" Williamson's chances in that one...
Thanks for kicking it with us, and hopefully we see some goals in Holland! -- Grant
LJ the difference maker? Maybe, but I get the feeling Sam Coffey likes a challenge -- definitely another matchup I'd pay to see. BTW, I just watched Italy beat Germany 2-1 -- Italy were able to capitalize on defensive blunders.
GREAT call on LJ vs. Coffey. That would have been awesome.
We're going to talk to our pal Peter Weis about that Germany-Italy match soon. He was in the building for that one, so if you have anything you want us to ask about, please let us know.
Thanks for kicking knowledge to us, Gretchen. We always appreciate your view on things! -- Grant
The US look like the more dangerous and organized team all night. The way that the defense moved like a tactical unit was going to be too much for England to overcome. They way they cut off passes and stopped plays was beautiful.
We should have won that game outright. That was disappointing.
But I understand this is a necessary learning exercise for the younger players. It’s about exposure and international experience etc.
I know you like LJames but buddy, even she wouldn’t have saved you the way that the US defense was playing.
I knew England was in trouble when they dropped into that low block.
They remind me how the US looked under Vlatko at the end: stagnant, in need of new talent and new ideas.
I dont follow England closely but I heard the streets are talking about Sarina’s coaching so…🤷
Maybe not so surprising.
Anyway the youngins look good. Im digging how Emma is building the team slowly. I fully expect a phase out plan for older players like Lynn, Lindsey and Rose. I believe their replacements are already in camp.
Just think what this team will be with additions like Macario, Bethune, Fishel, Staub, Pruce etc. The future is bright.
Can wait to see Lily at the Hauge
I think on-balance you're right about USA looking more dangerous for the entirety of the match. There were definitely moments where England was pinned back and had a hard time fighting off USA's press, but I thought they were usually able to get out of it before panic-time would set in. I have not heard the streets talking about Sarina's status with the team, so I'll keep my ear closer to said streets!
You're right about the future looking bright for the Stars and Stripes. I think a key difference that I meant to hit during this show was that USA was clearly more comfortable playing their younger talent in this match. It seemed noteworthy that USA brought on Albert, Shaw, and Sentnor (even if it was only for a few minutes), who are all 21 or younger, and England brought on two vets in Kirby and Kelly (Kelly's not "old," but ya know what I mean).
And you know we definitely agree about seeing Yohannes play in Holland. Should be a great moment. Thanks for rocking with us! -- Grant
I thought Fox and Girma were fantastic and up to the challenge, our defense was very good! Thompson was giving Bronze everything she could handle plus more, and England sure looked gassed overall. The Lionesses have their work cut out for them before the Euros if they want to repeat as Champs!
Totally agree. I think Girma and Fox were overall the two best players on the field for USA -- and maybe from both sides.
Spain and Germany definitely worry me in the Euros, but I also wonder if France or Norway could knock off England if they get their programs back on track. That leads to the question, though: Who do you have winning the Euros?
Thanks for the insight and for checking out the show! -- Grant
Great stuff, guys, but I called it after the October camp: Sorry to be the first to inform you, but Jenna Nighswonger will not be starting in any meaningful games for Emma Hayes. Ever. Amoros dropped her for Freeman v Rodman. Hayes dropped her for Krueger v Naz. She, unfortunately would be the glaring weak-link in an otherwise dominating back 4 of all-world defenders. She would be targeted. Hayes has now officially come to this conclusion. I generally think your LJ theory is off-base, but if Hayes allowed a healthy LJ to go to work against Nighswonger, it's at least plausible. So, you can go ahead and preemptively scratch her from any future lineups you may be inclined to publish.
Credit where it's due, Dolph. I think you were the first person -- maybe the only person -- in the comment section who didn't think Nighswonger was going to get consistent playing time under Hayes. Whaddya think -- will she get left off future squads altogether? Let's say you're picking 23 players for the World Cup: Do you keep her on as a defender/midfield hybrid because of her passing, or do you think she's just too much of a defensive liability?
Thanks for checking out the show. -- Grant
@IntoTheChannelPod If Krueger were 24, not 34, Hayes would be happy keeping the defensive third as a no-fly zone, and Nighswonger would be phased-out by SheBelieves. Long-term, I think it's an open competition until she finds a left-footed competent defender. Hayes could try Davidson there. Malonson and Vignola are still options. Or, Hayes may take on the project of converting a freak athlete like Ryan into a into a leftback/wingback. Nighswonger's future utility is still uncertain.
Didn't realize y'all were so biased toward England. You must be delighted with the result. I assure you the Americans were not at all happy drawing. No mention of Horan's again, lack of impact. Hope Emma lets the kids play v Netherlands.
That's definitely my England fandom shining through. I should have said that I have a policy to never root "against" USA, though. I definitely love watching them play every time they take the pitch.
We probably could have mentioned Horan's lack of impact more. I think maybe Dino said something about her having an average game or something, but you're right we didn't talk much about it.
I'm absolutely down to see more of the younger players give it a go in Holland. Anyone you're specifically psyched to see out there?
Thanks so much for checking out the show and leaving a comment! -- Grant
Hi guys, firstly, I hope that you guys had a good Thanksgiving. I lived in the USA for about ten years as a kid, and it really is a special time.
As for the game, I really enjoyed it. This was one of England's better performances recently., although a lot of that was down to Mary Earps. Certainly compared to Alyssa Naher, who I think only had one saved to make. The US defense was outstanding.
One thing that surprised me was when the commentators said that these were the top two FIFA ranked teams. I had no idea that England were ranked that high, especially after a lot of mediocre performances this year. But rankings schmankings, any of the top six or seven could beat each other on any given day.
The US of course missed Triple Espresso, but the biggest miss for England was definitely Lauren Hemp. Before her injury, she was playing the best football of her career. Both Man City and England look almost ordinary without her. She was playing Ballon d'Or worthy type football. Jeez, I hope she can come back to playing like that again real soon.
All the best to you guys. Love kicking it with you.
💚🤍💚
Great work guys.
Easily the most intelligent reviews out there.
Unfortunately intelligence has never been too popular with homo sapiens;
none the less, let it be it's own reward.
Keep it up. You are appreciated.
Thanks for the kind words, MLS. Always appreciate you hanging out with us! -- Grant