USWNT defeats England: 3 things we learned

The U.S. defeated England  2-1 in the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup. Here’s three things we learned.

The United States defeated England 2-1 in the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup in Lyon, keeping the team’s hopes alive in their attempt to try win back-to-back titles.

It was another intense and insane game that the Americans were able to control even when it seemed England would mount a comeback. In the end, goalkeeper Alyssa Neaher came up big saving a penalty kick late in the game and the attack, even without Megan Rapinoe, did their job. Here are three things we learned from the USWNT’s latest match.

Using their heads

In what was the biggest lineup surprise at this tournament, Rapinoe (believed to be out due to an injury that went unmentioned on the eve of the match) was not in the starting lineup. Instead, the front three consisted of Christen Press, Alex Morgan and Tobin Heath. Rapinoe’s absence from the start put more pressure on the team to create plays down the middle with Alex Morgan. The right, patrolled by Heath, and the left, which featured Press, were tasked with giving the English defense fits of anxiety.

Health and Press did just that just 10 minutes in. A perfect cross by Heath found Press for the header and the U.S. took another early lead. But the Lionesses roared back nine minutes later on a wonderful strike by Ellen White to draw level.

In the 31st minute, Lindsey Horan weaved some magic on the left and sent in a cross that Morgan headed home to make it 2-1. Every U.S. cross made the England backline look super-exposed and the second goal was another sign of it. The Morgan goal, her tournament-leading sixth, proved to be the game winner.

Ertz and Horan from the start

Against France, coach Jill Ellis started Julie Ertz in place of Horan. This time, Ellis married Ertz’s physical style with Horan’s finesse play and put them in together from the start. Sam Mewis was the causality this time around, forces to sit on the bench. Rose Lavelle also got the start in Ellis’ 4-3-3 midfield and the move proved brilliant.

Horan assisted on the U.S.’s second goal and Ertz stymied the England midfield throughout the game. The duo kept up the tempo in the second half with the USWNT trying to maintain the lead. Ertz and Horan together may be the combo in midfield this team needs to win the trophy.

At the same time, Lavelle gave it her all once again. A tireless runner, Lavelle was forced out of the game midway through the second half after pulling a hamstring and replaced by Mewis. She will need to recover should Ellis want to start her in the final.

Ellis’ mind games

England coach Phil Neville isn’t the only one who can play games on the eve of a big match. Ellis did not start Rapinoe to the shock of everyone an hour before kickoff.

Hampered by a hamstring injury, Ellis started Press on the left, leaving Neville having only a short time to figure out what tactical changes would need to be made.

After whining about American scouts visiting the England hotel a few days ago, the big secret wasn’t the USWNT’s travel accommodations, but that the biggest player for the U.S. at this tournament would not play. Take that, Phil.

The win puts the USWNT in the final on Sunday against the winner of Wednesday’s other semifinal between the Netherlands and Sweden.