England vs. USA time, TV channel, live stream, lineups, and betting odds for USWNT friendly vs Lionesses

In the pre-match press conference ahead of Friday’s high-profile women’s international friendly between defending World Cup champions USA and recently crowned European champions England, one moment served to capture the players’ state of mind heading into the match.

One reporter began to ask, “The players have led the way for equal pay, social justice…” before USWNT star Megan Rapinoe cut in. “Everything,” she said. The reporter continued, “And now this. How are you not just emotionally exhausted?”

Rapinoe couldn’t help it. A wry smile crossed her face, and she sheepishly pointed a finger gun at the reporter. “We are,” she said.

Those two words said everything. In the wake of the NWSL independent investigation that uncovered systemic abuse in the NWSL — the top professional women’s league in the United States — the USWNT players have made it clear they’re eager to get back on the field.

“I’m SO excited to play,” Rapinoe continued.

MORE: USWNT players react to NWSL investigation amid “broken trust”

“I’m really looking forward to seeing where they [England] are, and seeing where we are going into the World Cup.” USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski echoed that sentiment, that they’re excited to “put on a show” at what will be a sold-out Wembley Stadium.

With the 2023 Women’s World Cup on the horizon, this match has significance as far as preparation for next year’s tournament. In the process, it will showcase the top level of the women’s game, with the No. 1 ranked USA side visiting the No. 4 England squad.

“It’s gonna be a good show,” Andonovski said. “It’s not a World Cup or an Olympics. Those are the important games. It’s a game that will make a statement in women’s sports.”

England vs. USWNT TV channel, live stream

Friday’s showcase friendly between the USA and England women’s national teams will kick off at 8 p.m. local time at Wembley Stadium in London, England.

UK: The match can be seen on ITV 1, with streaming available on the ITV Hub as well as on STV Player.

USA: The match will be available to watch on Fox network, which is streamed on fuboTV in addition to the Fox Sports app and site.

JP Dellacamera and former USWNT star Aly Wagner are on the call. Jacqui Oatley makes her Fox debut as sideline reporter, while Dr. Joe Machnik will serve as rules analyst.

MORE: A full rundown of the Yates Report detailing years of abuse in the NWSL

England vs. USWNT lineups, team news

England will be missing a few key components of their recent Euro championship run. Midfield rock Jill Scott has retired at the age of 35, as has goal scorer Ellen White at age 33.

Captain Leah Williamson has withdrawn from the squad due to a knee injury sustained in training, and there are fears that it is serious after she was seen on crutches. Alessia Russo and Lucy Parker have also withdrawn from the squad due to injury.

In Williamson’s absence, defender Millie Bright will captain the side, and Alex Greenwood is the likely choice as her center-back partner, having played in their most recent match, a 10-0 obliteration of Luxembourg in early September World Cup qualifying. Greenwood, a more natural left-back, would slide into the middle, leaving Rachel Daly or Demi Stokes to play on the flank.

In the absence of Russo, England is without a natural central striker on the roster. Star forward Beth Mead, who was named England Women’s Player of the Year days ago, could start up front in place of the injured Russo, with Lauren Hemp on the left wing and Nikita Parris on the right. Chloe Kelly is an option as well, a right-winger naturally.

England projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Earps (GK) — Bronze, Bright, Greenwood, Daly — Walsh, Stanway — Hemp, Toone, Parris — Mead.

USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski has repeatedly said he wants to “put on a show” and therefore should be efforting to field his best possible starting XI.

The United States is without Alex Morgan up front due to a slight knee injury she picked up at the club level just before camp broke, meaning Ashley Hatch should start in the central striker spot. Sophia Smith can play in the middle as well, but her presence on the wing could be deemed a greater priority. 

Another big miss for the USWNT is Mallory Pugh who withdrew from the roster days before the match due to a family commitment. She was not replaced on the roster, meaning that it could be a chance to see Trinity Rodman start, while Megan Rapinoe could also be a candidate for that left wing spot. Cat Macario is still missing, having torn her ACL back in the spring playing for her club Lyon.

At the back, Andonovski has a choice to make at center-back, picking two from Alana Cook, Naomi Girma, and captain Becky Sauerbrunn. Cook is the most likely to start, having established herself as a regular. Girma, at 22 years old, is an up-and-coming star, but Sauerbrunn’s experience may be preferred in this showcase match.

Full-back Crystal Dunn is back with the team after maternity leave, but it may be too early for her after months on the sidelines, having just returned to training a few days ago. That would leave Sophia Huerta and Emily Fox as the starters on the flank.

USWNT projected starting lineup (4-3-3): Naeher (GK) — Huerta, Cook, Sauerbrunn, Fox — Lavelle, Sullivan, Horan — Smith, Hatch, Rodman.

MORE: USWNT tops Canada in July, showing they’re still the North American team to beat

England vs. USA betting odds

Odds via Sports Interaction (Canada), & SkyBet (UK).

A gargantuan matchup between No. 1 in the world and No. 4 in the world unsurprisingly sees the two sides as very evenly matched. The hosts England are given the slight edge, but still it’s clear that either side could come out on top.

Attacking injuries to both teams sees the under 2.5 total goals as slightly favored with the betting market believing it could be tough to find the back of the net. Still, despite the absence of Alex Morgan, Mallory Pugh, and Alessia Russo, it’d still be surprising that two extremely talented teams produce a cagey affair.

Interestingly, the market still expects both teams to score, further proof that this match could produce many possible outcomes.