England’s men are still unable to beat the USA in a World Cup match as tonight’s game ended goalless.
After a dominating performance four days earlier with a 6-2 victory over Iran, England were expected to replicate the same performance, especially with manager Gareth Southgate opting for the same line-up.
Instead England started the game disappointingly slow, playing negatively whilst USA marginally possessed the ball in the first half.
The only notable moments for England came via a Harry Kane blocked chance where the build-up witnessed their only piece of successful fast-pace football, and long shot from Mason Mount, despite none seeming to trouble the American keeper.
Out of possession the Three Lions were poor, leaving too many gaps, and making it too easy for USA to play the ball around and out of pressure, resulting in American and Chelsea player Christian Pulisic unmarked but thankfully for England his goal attempt hit the bar.
Again, the second half began with USA the stronger side with little evidence of change from the men in white and blue. America were by far more clinical with their passes and looked very dangerous in attack. England were lucky USA didn’t obtain the strongest attack force or the result may have been very different.
In England’s rare attacks they didn’t even look like they were going to cause the Americans issues, until the end where they weren’t able to take their chances presented.
USA looked very organised and had a very strong performance over the pitch, whereas England looked flat with lack of urgency and authority in attack.
A surprise player left on the bench completely was Phil Foden, in a game which craved his creativity along with Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford who were introduced.
The only positive for England on the night was keeping a clean sheet and remaining resilient in defence against a strong USA. Even controversial centre-back Harry Maguire had a strong performance specifically during USA’s set pieces.
In the battle of Football vs Soccer the scores remained level and although England haven’t made it easy for themselves they still sit top of the Group B table thanks to their earlier win against Iran, giving them a one point lead overall, but with all four teams in the group still in contention to qualify a win against Wales is vital for progression to the top-16.
