The USWNT need to improve defensive play vs. England

The USWNT take on England in the SheBelieves Cup on Saturday, and will need an improved defensive performance if they hope to remain competitive.

If you watched the U.S. play against Japan on Wednesday, you saw some questionable decisions on defense. If you didn’t get to catch the game, don’t worry, we’re here to help break it down for you.

Let’s start with the center-backs. Tierna Davidson returned to the starting lineup for the first time since breaking her ankle while playing for Stanford last fall. Next to her was Abby Dahlkemper, who was making her 33rd career appearance for the national team and her third straight start of 2019. On both of the goals by Japan, these two struggled. They were out of position or played the ball into dangerous areas.

On the second goal especially, Davidson stepped up into no man’s land and Dahlkemper was stuck between going and staying. They really need to work on their communication going forward. Becky Sauerbrunn missed the last game with minor knee irritation; if she’s able to go soon, that might provide more of a presence on that backline. The biggest problem is that both of those center-backs are young and inexperienced at the national team level.

There are also questions at outside back. Kelley O’Hara and Crystal Dunn got the start on the flanks. These two played well in the first half, limiting Japan’s chances and doing a good job getting involved in the attack. Then halftime came around and Japan changed up their game plan a little. Head coach Jill Ellis also made some changes at the half when she subbed O’Hara, who was making her return after ankle surgery, for Emily Sonnett.

While Sonnett is a good defender, she’s a natural center-back and hasn’t lived up to her true potential at the right-back spot. The second half was a struggle as both sides got torn up a bit. On the first goal, Dunn fell flat footed and was unable to step in front of her mark who tapped home the opener for Japan. The second goal was a bit of a different situation. Because Davidson and Dahlkemper were pulled so far to the right side, Dunn shifted over, leaving her player wide open at the back post.

This has been a problem for the U.S. for a while now. When they won the World Cup in 2015, defense is what carried them. Four years later, it could be what sinks them. But there’s still time before France to get things back into gear. Against England on Saturday, the biggest thing for the U.S. to work on is communication. A lot of their problems could be limited if they just talked things through. Also, if Sauerbrunn is feeling better, she might be an option to try and bring a commanding force to the back four.

The US will take on England on Saturday in Nashville, Tennessee. Kickoff for the match is 4:55 p.m. ET with coverage on Fox.