Rising Star Bella Vogel and US Eagles Prepare to Face Wounded England in WXV Global Series

The US Eagles women's rugby team is scheduled to face England's world champion Red Roses in a WXV Global Series match in Harrison, New Jersey, on Friday. Heading into the fixture with a five-match winning streak, the American squad features a blend of youth and experience, highlighted by 19-year-old center and fly-half Bella Vogel, who is nominated for World Rugby's Breakthrough Player of the Year award.

Momentum and Rankings

• World Rankings: The US recently moved up to sixth in the world rankings following a 54-24 win over Italy in Nashville, Tennessee, where No. 8 Freda Tafuna scored three tries.
• England's Recent Form: England holds the top spot in the rankings, though their 41-game unbeaten streak recently ended with two defeats against Canada.
• Previous Encounters: The last meeting between the US and England occurred at the World Cup opener, where England secured a 69-7 victory.

Youthful Core and Early Development

Coached by Jack Hanratty, the US team benefits from players who discovered the sport at a younger age than traditionally seen in the United States. Vogel, raised in Pennsylvania, began playing at age 10 and now plays alongside fellow Life University student and fly-half Nina Mason. This rising generation of talent is expected to mature ahead of the 2033 Women's World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States.

Previewing the Challenge

Speaking ahead of the match, Vogel acknowledged the underdog perception surrounding the US team, stating her desire to demonstrate that the Eagles can compete with top-tier opponents. Coach Hanratty noted that England presents a rigorous test with multiple kickers and significant speed, viewing the fixture as an opportunity to measure the team's growth against the world's best.

Broadcasting Information

The match is scheduled to be broadcast in the US on Paramount Plus and in the UK on the England Rugby YouTube channel and BBC iPlayer. Viewers can check official listings and broadcast platforms for regional schedules.