The New Royals: American World Cup Royalty lands in the Queen’s Backyard

By Jamie Smed from Cincinnati, Ohio - Alex Morgan, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71100212

You remember it. An exuberant Alex Morgan burying the game-winner through a dogged England backline, striding to the left, arms effortlessly abreast and smile goading before she pauses, flicks her pinkie upwards, and gingerly sips an imaginary cuppa.

Two years on, the tea has returned.

With the NWSL’s Fall Series offering a paltry season ahead of next summer’s World Cup amidst Covid-19, the prospect of a full competitive season against world-beaters like Vivianne Miedema and Pernille Harder proved impossible to snub for USWNT players edging to continue their silverware streak.

By Anders Henrikson - a_22_5481, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38749493

Five World Cup royalties -- Sam Mewis, Rose Lavelle, Tobin Heath, Christen Press, and Alex Morgan – have jetted across the Atlantic for the FA Women’s Super League (WSL).

Sam Mewis jumped first, followed by formidable midfield partner Rose Lavelle, joining last season’s runners up Manchester City, who lost to Chelsea on points per game.

Glimpses of Mewis’ aerial dominance coupled with Lavelle’s playmaking emerged as Mewis clinched the game-winner against Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-finals during Lavelle’s debut.

By Jamie Smed from Cincinnati, Ohio - Rose Lavelle, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=86612700

City couldn’t be the only Manchester club to steal a lethal American duo.

Attacking aces Tobin Heath and Christen Press joined the Red Devils. Instantly breaking into the starting XI, they outsold all United’s men’s jerseys the first three days following their signings.

Jamie Smed from Cincinnati, Ohio / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)

Their attacking vim could rout the club’s even keel to usual league leaders, with United currently sitting two points off the table’s top.

Morgan ignited final headlines joining Tottenham Hotspur. While she’s no silver bullet and has yet to feature due to fitness, her presence has arguably fuelled the perennially straggling side, who impressively held Arsenal nil-nil in the FA Cup quarter-finals until the final 20 minutes. Speculation that her attacking experience could spur Tottenham to close the chasm separating them from the top remains high.

By Potatooe - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49007492

The temptation to cut into next summer’s World Cup roster with the consistent, elite-level competition is difficult to resist, even if temporarily.

But the exposure generated by the American exodus could also prove pivotal in fastening the women’s game on the international map.

Ultimately, the opportunity to play against and train with experienced talents like Heath, Morgan, or Lavelle could be priceless for England’s talent in the long-run.

Maybe the women's team can finally bring the level of success that England fans have been craving for!