Rapinoe not in U.S. starting lineup vs. England
Julie Foudy feels the USWNT is confident rather than arrogant, and she outlines the matchup between Megan Rapinoe and Lucy Bronze. (1:57)
LYON, France — Megan Rapinoe is not in the starting lineup for the United States’ semifinal match against England on Tuesday.
Christen Press has replaced Rapinoe for the 3 p.m. ET kickoff. Lindsey Horan is also starting in place of Sam Mewis.
The decision to put Rapinoe on the bench was not disciplinary, according to a U.S. Soccer spokesperson. No other reason was given for her absence, but Rapinoe did not go through warm-ups on the field before the game. She was in uniform and stood on the field as the U.S. team warmed up but did not participate physically.
Rapinoe has scored five goals in four matches during the Women’s World Cup, including a pair of goals in both knockout matches for the Americans so far. Her five goals in all are tied with teammate Alex Morgan, England’s Ellen White and Australia’s Sam Kerr for the tournament lead.
She started and scored a goal when the U.S. and England drew 2-2 in the SheBelieves Cup in March. The U.S. struggled defensively in that game when England elected to start Rachel Daly at outside back and shift Lucy Bronze to midfield. Both are again in the England lineup today. Christen Press, Rapinoe’s replacement in this game, is more natural defender from the forward position.
Rapinoe has also drawn attention from the release of a months-old video of Rapinoe saying, “I’m not going to the f—ing White House” should the United States win a second straight Women’s World Cup.
For England, Carly Telford has replaced Karen Bardsley as the starting goalkeeper.
“Minor injury in the game against Norway — she trained yesterday,” Phil Neville told the BBC. “You need players that are 100 percent, and we trusted Carly. And we need everybody 100 percent fit on the field. It’s the toughest decision I’ve made since I came into the job.”
Toni Duggan and Fran Kirby also are not in the starting lineup, replaced by Beth Mead and Rachel Daly.
Information from ESPN’s Graham Hays, Tom Hamilton and the Associated Press was used in this report.