European champions England were playing at the scene of their momentous Euro 2022 triumph on July 31 for the first time, with the USA – the most successful team in women's football – visiting Wembley.
Although only a friendly, pre-game interest around the match was significant with it said to have been the fastest-selling England fixture – men or women – at the new Wembley.
The crowd was treated to an entertaining contest, with Lauren Hemp giving England an early lead as she pounced on a failed interception in the penalty area.
Sophia Smith levelled in the 28th minute after England lost possession just outside their own box, but Georgia Stanway quickly restored the advantage from the spot after Lucy Bronze was caught by a high boot.
A marginal offside call a few moments later denied USA a well-worked equaliser and England ultimately held firm in the second half, with a VAR review overturning a late penalty award for the visitors and leaving Wiegman happy but philosophical.
"That was really intense, just what we wanted," she told ITV Sport. "USA played as we expected, they gave us hard times sometimes, which is normal as they are really good.
"I thought we played well in moments, actually in the first half a little better than the second. In the second we had some problems to get out of the press, but it's 2-1 and I think it was a great game."
Asked if this victory will put a target on their back as the team to beat at next year's World Cup, she added: "The target is there all the time!
"We said before this game, yes we want to play the game, win the game, but whatever happens this is just the starting point for getting prepared for the World Cup.
"But of course it's really nice when you win the game and show shows you are at a very high level."
The Lionesses appeared to ride their luck on occasion, particularly with regard to the tight offside call in their favour to deny the USA an equaliser.
USA had luck in behind more than once, but Wiegman felt that although England were not perfect, their high press and aggressive nature off the ball was what she wanted to see.
"I understand [the defensive concerns], sometimes we were very open, played with a lot of space in the back and we know the USA are very quick, a very athletic team," he said.
"We didn't choose to just drop back to get the space behind the defence very small, we just wanted to play a game with the high press.
"In those moments, we knew that, but it's something we will review and see if we can do better, but this is how we want to play."
A return to favour for Giroud this week came about after Real Madrid's Karim Benzema pulled out of the squad for friendlies against Ivory Coast and South Africa due to injury.
Veteran striker Giroud has impressed with Milan this season, but the 35-year-old's efforts had not been enough to initially persuade coach Deschamps he should be part of the current group. This late call-up shows the Qatar 2022 World Cup later this year may not be out of reach for Giroud.
With 11 goals, the former Chelsea and Arsenal frontman is the joint-leading scorer across all competitions for Serie A leaders Milan.
His last appearance for France was as a substitute in the 3-3 draw with Switzerland at Euro 2020 last June, which was followed by defeat on penalties and a dispiriting last-16 exit for the pre-tournament favourites. Subsequent exclusion from Deschamps' squads mean there has been plenty to chew over.
"It was not easy, but I digested it and I think it was seen in my performance with AC Milan," Giroud told French newspaper Le Parisien. "It is planned that we will discuss my situation with the coach during the get-together."
Giroud said the call from Deschamps on Saturday to confirm he would be called in "brought me a lot of joy". He sits just five goals behind Thierry Henry in France's all-time scoring charts after netting 46 times in 110 games, and the chance to add to each tally has arisen.
France host Ivory Coast in Marseille on Friday, before tackling South Africa in Lille next Tuesday.
"I feel ready to make my contribution to the France team in the role that the coach gives me," Giroud said. "One thing is for certain: my determination to bring something to Les Blues remains intact."
Deschamps, speaking at a news conference on Monday, spoke of the difficulty that can be associated with status as a footballer, particularly if that long-held status no longer applies.
Where Giroud was once a first-choice pick, that is not now the case.
As a player, Deschamps retired on a high at the age of 31, after captaining France to Euro 2000 glory, two years on from leading the team to the World Cup.
Giroud, a 2018 World Cup winner, is playing on later into life and wants to be clear that he expects no favours, nor barriers placed in his way, based on past achievements.
"It's not because I have a status that it should create privileges or restrictions," he said. "The important thing is to have players who are 200 per cent determined towards a goal."
Wiegman's impact since taking charge of the Lionesses last year has been nothing short of remarkable; England are unbeaten in 23 matches under the Dutch coach, winning 21 and scoring 120 goals.
Reports had suggested Wiegman, who led England to a remarkable home triumph at the Women's Euros in July, had agreed a new deal to run until 2027.
Wiegman's current contract is set to expire in 2025, and while the 52-year-old acknowledges talks over a renewal have taken place, she refuted suggestions a deal was already agreed.
"I'm very happy with the contract I have. I feel very valued, we have had conversations, very good ones, and we're all happy," Wiegman said on Monday.
"I'm happy, the team is happy, the FA is happy. We have a couple of tournaments to go and it's very comfortable. I hope we keep it that way and keep performing well."
England continued their strong form by beating the United States at Wembley Stadium last Friday, and will host the Czech Republic in another friendly at the AMEX Stadium on Tuesday.
