It was the Lionesses’ first match back at the national stadium since their summer Euro 2022 triumph against Germany – and the high-profile fixture attracted a crowd of more than 76,000 to London.
The fans weren’t disappointed as both sides served up a superb spectacle with England extending their unbeaten run under head coach Sarina Wiegman to a remarkable 23 games
And it was City winger Hemp – deployed as a centre forward and who produced a magnificent all-round display – who helped fire the Lionesses into a 10th minute lead.
From a sweeping move down the right flank, Beth Mead played in a superb ball to Hemp.
Though Alana Cook appeared to deal with the danger, the rebound fell to the feet of Hemp, and she got enough power on her shot to fire the ball over the line and give Wiegman’s side the lead.
However, the USA showed their quality by responding to draw level on 27 minutes – though England were authors of their own misfortune.
Millie Bright sought to pass out from the back to an under-pressure Georgia Stanway who couldn’t bring the ball under control.
The ball found its way to the dangerous Sophia Smith who despatched a fine finish into the bottom corner past keeper Mary Earps.
Within four minutes though England were back in front. A VAR review adjudged that Hailie Mace’s boot had been high and dangerous on Lucy Bronze in the box.
Georgia Stanway stepped up to take the resulting spot kick and made no mistake, firing home into the top corner of the net.
The Americans then thought they had drawn level again when Trinity Rodman converted Megan Rapinoe’s neat back-heel but after a subsequent VAR check, the goal was chalked off.
The breathless action continued after the break and Kelly almost extended England’s lead with a curling 54th minute effort before the United States mounted a period of sustained pressure.
Even so both Lucy Bronze and Stanway had fine chances to extend England’s advantage with the visitors also seeing a late penalty award correctly overturned by VAR.
However, the Lionesses deservedly held on to secure a momentous victory that augurs well ahead of next year’s World Cup finals.
