USWNT Announces Roster for European Friendlies Against England and Netherlands

The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) head coach, Emma Hayes, has announced a 24-player roster for upcoming friendly matches in Europe. The USWNT is set to face England at Wembley Stadium on November 30th, followed by a match against the Netherlands at ADO Den Haag Stadium on December 3rd. These fixtures will mark the conclusion of a successful year as the team embarks on preparations for future tournaments, including the qualifying rounds for the 2027 World Cup.

«In terms of our schedule, this is the end of a wonderful year, but we’re still at the beginning of our process of building towards qualifying for the next World Cup,» said Hayes. «This trip will be about testing ourselves against two world-class teams with opportunities to develop our roster.»

Notable in the roster are two uncapped players, goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce from Manchester United and forward Ally Sentnor of Utah Royals FC. Tullis-Joyce, a former player for Seattle Reign, steps in following the departure of international players from her club. Meanwhile, Sentnor has captained the U.S. team to third place at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, emphasizing her rapidly growing profile by scoring three goals during the competition.

The current list includes 15 members from the 2024 Olympic gold medal-winning squad, though it will miss the «Triple Espresso» forward line of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson due to ongoing injuries. Emma Hayes stated that rest is necessary for these players after a demanding season.

Lily Yohannes, a 17-year-old midfielder from Ajax, has been included following her decision to represent the USWNT. Yohannes, who grew up in Virginia before moving to the Netherlands, scored in her debut for the national team against Korea Republic in June. «Getting the commitment from Lily Yohannes is massive for us,» Hayes remarked, expressing excitement about her future contributions.

The roster features a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, including the team’s captain Lindsey Horan and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. The team will continue their preparations in London before their daunting fixture at Wembley Stadium, expected to attract a crowd of over 70,000.

Hayes has reiterated the importance of these games for testing and integrating new players. «I have no fear whatsoever to be able to put out a very different team if that’s what we choose to do against England,» she said, reflecting confidence in the newer players who have earned their places in the lineup.