The Lionesses face their biggest test at the scene of their greatest triumph

A little over two months after England’s Lionesses sent the nation into raptures by gleefully hoisting the Euro 2022 trophy aloft, they return to the scene of their greatest triumph.

Friday evening sees the Lionesses back at Wembley for the first time since that enthralling 2-1 victory over Germany on the final day of July, when Chloe Kelly etched her name in English sporting folklore with that injury-time winner and ensured her image was beamed round the world thanks to that iconic shirtless celebration.

Now the conquering heroes take on USA in a mouth-watering clash between the reigning European and world champions that might just prove to be a preview of next year’s World Cup final.

This England team might be the queens of Europe, but the United States are still the standard-bearers on the global stage, having won each of the last two World Cups and having never failed to reach at least the semi-final stage in the tournament’s history.

“It’s a measurement of where we’re at,” explains England boss Sarina Wiegman. “We want to compete with the best countries and we are one of them too; we have shown that. We have 10 months to figure out what we can do better.”

Home advantage inspired the Lionesses at the Euros and they, in turn, inspired a nation. Proof of their impact can be seen in the fact that this game sold out Wembley within 24 hours as demand crashed the ticketing website. An England Women’s record crowd of 87,192 attended the final against Germany, yet that total is set to be exceeded.

They have a legitimate chance to win the World Cup next summer. Meanwhile, the jury is distinctly out as to whether you can genuinely say the same of Gareth Southgate’s men’s side as they head to Qatar next month.

So, if you’re only just getting on board with what women’s sport has to offer, then, first, welcome to the party and, second, where have you been?

Women’s football pioneers will also be celebrated at Wembley on Friday as members of England’s inaugural team – who played in the first full international against Scotland in 1972, a 3-2 win for the English – will line up alongside the current Lionesses before kick-off and more than 100 former internationals are expected to attend the fixture.

A nod to the past, while looking to the future. What could be more fitting?

Yours,

Luke Baker

Sport live editor