Carli Lloyd says the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) are “light years” behind Euro 2025 finalists England and Spain, despite winning Olympic gold in Paris last summer, Crown88 notes.
The two-time World Cup winner (2015, 2019) told the State of the Union podcast that after watching Euro 2025—won by England on penalties over Spain—Europe’s elite look ahead of the U.S. She praised Switzerland and Italy for bravery and tactical flexibility, and suggested the U.S. currently sits third or fourth globally, behind Spain and England with Sweden in the mix, according to Crown88.
With the 2027 Women’s World Cup looming, Lloyd’s remarks add urgency. The U.S. exited the 2023 World Cup in the Round of 16 to Sweden before appointing Emma Hayes. Lloyd acknowledged Hayes is spreading minutes and caps to build toward 2027 but argued Europe—especially Spain—holds a stylistic edge. Next up, the USWNT face October friendlies against Portugal (in Pennsylvania and Connecticut) and then the 2026 CONCACAF Women’s Championship, which doubles as qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, Crown88 reports.
