England continued a remarkable 2022 by defeating world champions USA 2-1 in front of a sell-out crowd to enjoy a glorious Wembley homecoming.
Goals from Lauren Hemp and Georgia Stanway ensured the European champions edged an entertaining Friday night contest, the latter a penalty given after a VAR intervention.
This was after Sophia Smith had fired past Mary Earps, as the Lionesses conceded for the first time since the Euros.
The video officials took centre stage in an action-packed first half that saw three goals, a penalty and an American equaliser disallowed after a review.
USA did apply pressure after the break, but the Lionesses were good value for the win in their first game back at Wembley, 68 days on from that glorious summer triumph over Germany.
In the week that women’s football in America has been rocked by an independent investigation which found ‘systemic’ abusive behaviour and sexual misconduct, players from both sides showed solidarity by taking part in a moment’s silence prior to kick-off.
Sarina Wiegman had made five changes to the side that thrashed Luxembourg 10-0 last time out, but the hosts looked as settled as ever from the word go.
Newly crowned England Player of the Year Beth Mead tested American keeper Alyssa Naeher in the opening stages before squaring the ball for Hemp to give England a dream start only a few minutes later.
But the world champions were never going to lie down easily, and when Lindsey Horan robbed Stanway in a dangerous position, Smith fired in the equaliser to temporarily silence a noisy Wembley.
But the Bayern Munich summer signing was able to redeem herself just minutes later.
A VAR review confirmed substitute Hailie Mace’s high foot on Lucy Bronze, Riem Hussein pointing to the spot after checking the pitchside monitor, allowing Stanway to send Naeher the wrong way from 12 yards.
The visitors appeared to have levelled within four minutes through Trinity Rodman after a slick breakaway, only for another lengthy review to show Smith was offside in the build-up.
In truth, it would have been harsh on the Lionesses, who were the better side in the opening 45, Hemp forcing a smart save from Naeher in injury time to ensure the sides went into the break only a goal apart.
The world champions did rally, Rodman missing a good chance from inside the area, but Stanway very nearly settled the contest with a left-footed drive that only narrowly missed the target.
There was still time for England to survive another scare as VAR overturned a USA penalty after Rose Lavelle’s effort was blocked by Hemp, crucially without using her arm, Hussein once again checking the monitor.
But that was as close as America came to snatching a draw, as the history-making Lionesses achieved another landmark victory at the national stadium.
