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• Wiegman hails England's 'solid' defence against USA

  Sarina Wiegman praised England's defensive work in an "intense" game against the United States after they played out a 0-0 draw at Wembley.

  The Lionesses struggled to find their rhythm in attack, managing just four shots throughout the game, with only one of those on target – a Leah Williamson header in the 55th minute.

  However, they also limited the USA to just three shots on target, with Mary Earps the standout performer as she helped to keep the Olympic champions at bay.

  After losing their last friendly at Wembley 4-3 to Germany, Wiegman was pleased to see a marked improvement as England step up their preparation for Euro 2025.

  "This shows where we are at, and we need to keep improving," Wiegman told ITV. "It is November now. This is good, but we want to be better again. We have to be better again.

  "I thought it was a very intense game. Of course, we know the USWNT is very dynamic [and] explosive in going forward.

  "Our defence was solid, we were defending as a team, very strong. They challenged us on the wings; I think we solved that well, and in the box, we defended that pretty good. I'm happy with the team performance."

  The visitors thought they had scored a winner at the start of the second half, only for Lindsey Horan's finish to be ruled out for offside.

  They were also awarded a penalty in the 65th minute for an Alex Greenwood handball, though VAR overturned it after replays showed it hitting her torso.

  The USA are now unbeaten in each of their last 20 friendly matches (W17 D3), keeping a clean sheet in 16 of those matches.

  Emma Hayes also maintained her unbeaten start on her homecoming and was proud of how her team performed.

  "When you have to play England, especially after the defeat to Germany, we knew there was going to be a reaction to that performance," Hayes told ITV.

  "I got the chance to see so many younger, less experienced players. It is so important because we are building towards something. I am proud of the way we imposed ourselves on the game. Generally, I am pleased with the performance.

  "We had a goal disallowed, it was never a penalty, but you saw the entries into the final third it was us more than them. We are at a developmental stage, and I am proud of the way we played. In the Olympics, I saw some composure in our play. I am proud.

  "You've got two top teams. Sarina's an amazing coach. It was a good tactical match-up. I just enjoy coaching. I live in football matches, to be honest with you."

• Dwight Yorke challenges Soca Warriors to uphold standards and strive for excellence

  Trinidad and Tobago’s Head coach, Dwight Yorke, has challenged local-based Soca Warriors players to embrace professionalism, maintain high standards, and push themselves to earn a spot in the team for upcoming fixtures.

  Yorke’s message came at the conclusion of a seven-day live-in camp held at the Home of Football in Couva, capped by a 1-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) outfit Defence Force at the Larry Gomes Stadium recently.

  Despite the win, Yorke acknowledged the team's uneven performance during the match, dominated largely by Defence Force. However, the former Manchester United star emphasized the importance of players applying the lessons learned during the camp once they return to their clubs.

  “We expect discipline, dedication, and attitude, all of which I consider to be an image of me in many respects. ‘You are the national team, and you are the best players in the country,’ and that comes with a certain amount of responsibility,” Yorke said in a video released by the TTFA media.

  Yorke, flanked by his assistants Derek King, Russell Latapy, England’s Neil Wood, and strength and conditioning coach Anthony Crea, urged players to set themselves apart by embodying the qualities of national footballers both on and off the field.

  Furthermore, he advised his players not to merely reintegrate into their club teams but to stand out by demonstrating leadership, discipline, and a professional attitude.

  “When you leave here and go back to represent your clubs, make sure that they know that you’re a national player, and the only way you do that is by setting standards. How you train, how you carry about yourself, being on time, being an example for all, being that difference-maker,” Yorke shared.

  “We have eyes on the ground; we would know where you are. I’ve always said if you’re good, we will find you, so don’t give us any excuse to not be in this team. When we give you days off, make sure you use it to your advantage. Don’t go gallivanting everywhere...playing football with your mates,” he added.

  With the Soca Warriors potentially set for encounters against Qatar and Saudi Arabia next month, ahead of crucial fixtures in the Concacaf Gold Cup preliminaries in March.

  Beyond that, Yorke’s main objective is to qualify the Soca Warriors for the 2026 Fifa World Cup. They will resume qualifying action in June against St. Kitts & Nevis.

  As such, Yorke made it clear that success hinges on a collective effort.

  “You are in the system. Make sure and stay in the system, but that is down to you guys. We will do everything from an administration side, from the supporting team of the staff to make sure we provide you with all the ammunition,” he declared.

  “I’ll fight for you guys as the leader, as the head coach. I will go out there and make sure we get what it takes and all the stuff that you need to make sure that you are looked after. It is part of my responsibility, but you have to give us something in return... it can’t be a one-sided deal,” Yorke noted.

• Maresca makes Sancho and Mudryk game-time vow ahead of busy Chelsea schedule

  Enzo Maresca has vowed the likes of Jadon Sancho and Mikhailo Mudryk will get plenty of minutes for Chelsea in the coming weeks after impressing in the 2-0 win over Heidenheim.

  It was England winger Sancho who assisted Mudryk for the Blues' second in Thursday's Conference League fixture after Christopher Nkunku scored a second-half opener at the Voith-Arena.

  Neither player has been a regular for the Blues in the Premier League, with Maresca mixing up his options between Premier League duties and domestic and European competition ventures.

  But as the English calendar reaches a busy festive schedule, Chelsea boss Maresca said both players will get their fair share of action.

  He told a news conference: "I said since we start, Jadon is very important for us. He has to be fit, mentally and physically and he is going to help us a lot. 

  "Unfortunately we did not use him in the last few games but he is showing tonight how important he is. We need that quality in the last third against a low block. He is going to help us a lot.

  "He's (Mudryk) one of the players I just mentioned. It's difficult to find players tonight that didn't play well. We need all of them taking the chances when they get the chances. 

  "They all want to play more; they all deserve to play and are working fantastic. We are going to share minutes in the next games because we have so many games and it's the normal thing to do."

  Chelsea lead the league phase of the competition and are on the brink of the last 16. Maresca praised the mentality his side showed to stay perfect in the competition.

  "It was a very good challenge for all the aspects, they were high pressing, intense, but no matter what they do, it's important we are ready," he added.

  "It's important to continue with that mentality."