A vibrant United States aspect outplayed England of their World Cup Group B battle however have been left to rue a flurry of missed possibilities as they have been pressured to accept a 0-0 draw on the Al Bayt Stadium on Friday.
England, unchanged from Monday’s 6-2 win over Iran, may have sealed their place within the knockout section with a win however have been careless in possession and struggled ceaselessly. The youthful American aspect, filled with tempo and talent, stored England on the again foot for a lot of the sport.
The Three Lions, famously defeated by the US on the 1950 World Cup, didn’t handle a shot on objective within the second half till the 87th minute, with solely three pictures on objective in the entire match.
“It wasn’t our greatest efficiency for positive,” England captain Harry Kane instructed ITV Sport after the match.
“It was an entire distinction with the sport in opposition to Iran. We had two or three alternatives, and we didn’t put it away. They pressed rather well. We knew earlier than the sport they might come out and make it troublesome for us.
“We all know we will play higher than that … no recreation is straightforward in a World Cup. We have been enjoying in opposition to a extremely organised workforce with some high quality gamers and you must respect that.”
The US have been bolder than within the 1-1 draw with Wales and dominated within the first half. Haji Wright, the one new identify within the beginning line-up, headed large earlier than Weston McKennie fired over and Christian Pulisic rattled the woodwork.
Kane had one early effort blocked and Mason Mount had England’s finest first-half likelihood saved.
The US dropped again within the second half and defended as a unit when wanted, giving England little room to work with.
“Each time you may get a shut out within the World Cup it's a good factor,” mentioned US coach Gregg Berhalter. “We all know 5 factors will get us in. We've to focus on the 5 factors.”
Even with this end result, England – now on 4 factors – will qualify for the Spherical of 16, except Wales beat them by 4 or extra targets after they face off subsequent Tuesday.
The destiny of the USA, at the moment on two factors, is now considerably out of their management; a win for the Stars and Stripes in opposition to Iran, mixed with England sustaining their unbeaten run in opposition to Wales, will see the Individuals by to the knockout phases.
Different combos of outcomes get sophisticated shortly, that means that objective variations may show decisive. Iran and the USA have solely performed as soon as earlier than in a World Cup – a 2-1 victory for Iran in 1998.
With tempo missing on Friday evening from the beginning eleven who had carried out so decisively in opposition to Iran of their opening match, England coach Gareth Southgate placed on winger Jack Grealish, and changed Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham, whose anticipated fireplace by no means appeared to spark, with defensive midfielder Jordan Henderson.
England had extra possession as the sport progressed into the ultimate quarter, however struggled to transform this into first rate possibilities. Captain Harry Kane headed large, whereas the introduction of Marcus Rashford additionally failed to assist. Some England followers have been heard booing on the remaining whistle.
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