The U.S. has to figure out how to get Lindsey Horan, Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle on the field at the same time. The big question up front is finding the right chemistry in the absence of Alex Morgan, who has been the point of the spear for so long. Morgan’s contribution is not just the goals that she scores. She draws so much defensive attention that good teams can shut down her scoring, but that creates space for everyone else, and Morgan has become a very effective playmaker. Rapinoe won the Golden Boot at the World Cup, but four of Rapinoe’s six goals were penalties on fouls drawn by Morgan in the box. The U.S. has some very capable forwards but they are all opportunistic scorers, complementary players as opposed to the premier striker who draws every eye on defense as soon as she enters the offensive third. I’d be surprised if Morgan can make it back for the Olympics, but the U.S. isn’t the same team without her.
The last couple of years, the U.S. has used the She Believes Cup for experimentation with new players and formations. They dropped some games in the process. This year the lineup is set but the starting mix is still very fluid. It’s the first real test for the new coach, so I expect the U.S. will be playing to win, as opposed to tinkering and experimenting.
I would try to care but this team does not represent the United States in any way except their name.
England's defence of their SheBelieves Cup title got off to a disappointing start as two quick second-half goals condemned them to defeat against world champions the United States in Orlando.It was a sixth defeat in nine games for Phil Neville's side, who have struggled for form since losing to the USA in the World Cup semi-finals.
Christen Press's superb long-range curler put the hosts ahead shortly after half-time and Carli Lloyd made it 2-0 two minutes later.
... Former England defender Alex Scott, speaking on BBC Two:
I am trying to find positives from this game but we are not in the same bracket as the USA, we are below.... Former England forward Lianne Sanderson, speaking on BBC Two:
I feel we have taken massive steps forward before but I think we have gone backwards. It looked like it could have been four or five.
🔙 to the action at @RedBullArena.
🇺🇸 0-0 🇪🇸 #SheBelievesCup pic.twitter.com/s1oM0XtpkI— NWSL (@NWSL) March 8, 2020