Emma Hayes will return to London in November for a mouthwatering showdown with Sarina Wiegman when the United States take on England in a friendly at Wembley.
Hayes left her role as Chelsea manager after 12 years at the end of last season to take charge of the US women’s team. The 47-year-old will bring her new side to London on Saturday, 30 November, as part of the Lionesses’ preparations for their European title defence.
The London-born manager has won her first two competitive matches in charge of the USWNT, against Zambia and Germany, qualifying for the Olympic quarter-finals in Paris before their final group game against Australia on Wednesday.
Speaking in France, Hayes said: “I’m so excited. Wembley’s like a second home to me. Not just as a kid going there, but as a manager. A lot of success there, so it will be amazing to go back and play 20 minutes from my house, and get to play against some amazing players,”
England will also host Germany at Wembley on 25 October in a repeat of the Euro 2022 final, as well as a meeting with South Africa in Coventry four days later and a clash with Euro 2025 hosts Switzerland at Bramall Lane in early December.
Lionesses manager Wiegman said: “Our preparations start now. Securing our place at the tournament next summer, without the need to participate in the playoffs, gives us the maximum time to prepare for the challenge that awaits us in Switzerland.
“To play at Wembley again, especially against the quality of Germany and the United States, is really exciting. Our fans always show up and bring the noise when we play there, which really helps the team and no doubt both games will create memorable atmospheres.
“Being able to take the team across the country is also very important to us and we’re pleased to be heading back to Coventry and Sheffield and two excellent stadiums,” Wiegman added. “We have happy memories from both cities and I have no doubt the fans will come out in their numbers to support the team, as they always do.”
“I think playing top level opponents around the world matters,” Hayes said. “For me, I don’t want to stop short just in Europe. We have a World Cup to consider in 2027 [in Brazil], so that will be part of my thinking over the next couple of years.
“But going to the home of the European champions, the best team at least in Europe alongside Spain, it gives us a chance to see where we measure up away from home. In front of a sell-out crowd at Wembley, I want that to bring out the best version of ourselves. I’m really looking forward to it.”
