MY ACCOUNT
– England started in fine fashion with six goals against Iran
– USA were left hanging on at the end against Wales
– Recommended bet: Back England to win and over 1.5 goals
England started their World Cup campaign with a superb 6-2 win over Iran and will be looking to book their place in the knockout stages by beating USA on Friday.
Gareth Southgate’s decision to move away from his preferred 3-4-3 system in order to bring in an extra attacking player paid dividends with the Three Lions dismantling an Iranian outfit who many had suggested would be able to stifle the Euro 2020 runners-up.
Instead, slick England ran riot with Bukayo Saka scoring twice after Jude Bellingham had broken the deadlock.
Further goals from Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish must surely bode well given the previous reliance on 2018 World Cup Golden Boot winner Harry Kane.
USA are well in Group B following their 1-1 draw against Wales, however, they will be left kicking themselves after a brilliant start did not result in maximum points.
Timothy Weah’s goal was all the Stars and Stripes had to show for a dominant first half and in the end it was they who were holding on once Gareth Bale equalised from the penalty spot.
Team news
Gareth Southgate has said skipper Kane will be available for England despite the Tottenham forward going for a scan on an ankle problem earlier in the week.
Harry Maguire needs to be assessed after “feeling ill” in the win over Iran which saw him substituted and replaced by Eric Dier, although he is said to be “much better”.
Kyle Walker has been improving his fitness and is closing on a return, but James Maddison is doubtful with an ongoing knee issue.
USA don’t have any major concerns and should be able to select from a fully-fit squad.
The stats
USA are usually an adventurous team which suggests there could be goals in the game against England with both teams scoring in seven of their last nine matches at the World Cup group stage.
Another trend pointing towards goals comes in the shape of England’s recent matches with 19 goals in total scored in their last four and three of those went over 3.5 goals.
Good starts have also become the norm under Southgate, with England scoring first in five of their last six matches at a major tournament.
Getting the first goal could be key as USA’s recent results do not point towards an upset.
They have won only two of their last eight games and the sole success in the last six came in the CONCACAF Nations League against Grenada.
Prediction
England have scored nine goals in their last 110 minutes having notched three late on against Germany in September and carrying on the attacking intent by hitting Iran for six.
USA have only one way to play — aggressive in the press but leaving space in behind — which spells trouble with Sterling and Saka capable of making those killer late runs.
It was visible how much USA tired as the Wales match progressed and England’s array of attacking talent off the bench could make hay the longer the clash goes on.
Take the Three Lions to win in a game that can see at least two goals, available at 17/20 on LiveScore Bet.
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