MY ACCOUNT
An uninspiring England were held to a goalless draw against the USA in their second World Cup match.
The draw still puts Gareth Southgate’s side in control of group, as they sit in first place with four points from their opening two games.
USA were excellent throughout, constantly pressing and stopping England from gaining any momentum.
We look at five key talking points from the match in Qatar.
Back down to earth
After the 6-2 win against Iran, the whole nation was full of optimism.
England were fantastic in the final third, tearing apart Iran and scoring at will — this new-look attacking thrust started to get the hype circling across the country.
However, their lack of creativity and bravery against USA was a reality check at some of the issues that England had in their poor run of form in the Nations League.
Southgate has often taken criticism for his lack of bravery and the game tonight has done no favours for those claims.
His substitutions raised some questions. Jordan Henderson came on for Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, one of best creative talents in the world, did not enter the field of play.
Tight group
This draw blows the group wide open, with the last match day to be full of surprises and drama.
England remain on top of the group with four points and Iran closely follow with three, having beat Wales 2-0 today.
USA sit on two points in third place, while Wales are last with one point.
If England would’ve won, the last game would’ve been a much easier spectacle but now, with everything to play for, the last game against Wales is a bit more tasty.
USA full of life
With the World Cup coming to the USA in 2026, this tournament was an important building block to building some momentum as a nation.
The performance against England was certainly that. This young USA side were full of life and purpose, buzzing around the pitch and constantly making life difficult for Southgate’s side.
The midfield is very impressive. Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah are very pleasing on the eye — they all work as a unit, pressing from the front with the right amount of tenacity.
USA’s energy and pressing in the first-half was similar to their opening game against Wales, they thwarted England from producing any sort of rhythm.
They even converted their off the ball antics into some dangerous chances — Christian Pulisic rattled the crossbar and Weston McKennie fired over the bar from point blank range.
Sloppy England
Unlike the game against Iran, England struggled to get out of first gear — their passing was sloppy and they could not control the tempo.
Southgate’s side struggled to keep the ball in USA’s half and dangerous attacks were far and few between; the only time England had some joy was down the wings in the first-half.
England’s best chance was late on, as Luke Shaw’s last-minute free-kick was headed wide by Harry Kane.
Jack Grealish did add some much-needed intent, but it did not result in anything profitable.
Bellingham attention
Bellingham certainly showcased his talents to the world against Iran and USA clearly pinpointed him as a huge threat.
Throughout the game, as soon as the 19-year-old received the ball, he was pressed by the nearest USA player no matter the situation.
This effected the midfielder’s rhythm and he struggled to find space to create a dangerous passing pattern. Declan Rice was allowed the ball as a result of this and struggled to break the lines single-handedly.
Bellingham was subbed off in the 68th minute as the more experienced Henderson came on.
