England and the United States of America played out a goalless draw on November 25 at the Al Bayt Stadium.
England had most of the ball possession at the beginning of the match, which was even. In the game’s first spell, Harry Kane appeared to be dangerous, but after that, it was all United States.
When Weston McKennie skied a shot over the bar from the England box’s edge, he set the tone for his team. Christian Pulisic almost beat Jordan Pickford minutes later when his vicious shot hit the woodwork.
England kept control, but they couldn’t do anything with the ball because the USA’s determination and tenacity were too much for Gareth Southgate’s team.
The Three Lions were dominated by the United States because they were unable to produce anything. In addition, Gregg Berhalter’s team continued to exert pressure on the opposition.
In light of this, let’s take a look at the five most talked-about aspects of the game:
#5 England was plain mediocre
England looked nothing like the team that beat Iran 6-2 in the previous round. England was simply mediocre.
From the first whistle, the Three Lions appeared sluggish and rusty, and they never seemed to have complete control of the game. England’s passing was sloppy and they didn’t pay attention.
Following their crushing 6-2 victory over Iran, England displayed a laid-back attitude. The United States was able to capitalize because of complacency.
If the Three Lions want to avoid losing the qualification race to Wales, they will need to bring their A-game to the match.
#4 Gareth Southgate made some questionable calls
Gareth Southgate made a few questionable decisions. Southgate has come under fire for some of the decisions he made that were against the United States.
The 52-year-old chose the same lineup that beat Iran 6-2 this week. The absence of any lineup changes was somewhat unsettling given the rapid pace of the games.
Furthermore, a second debate was sparked by his substitutions during the game. Some people were surprised by Southgate’s reluctance to introduce Phil Foden during the game.
He chose Jordan Henderson over both Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who could have lit up the flanks with his deliveries into the box, to add fuel to the fire. Henderson isn’t seen as an attacking option.
#3 USA impresses mightily
The United States of America’s domination The United States of America were the underdogs going into the match, but as the game progressed, they displayed their true zeal.
England’s patience was tested at every level as Behalter’s team spread out across the country. Yunus Musah, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie made significant contributions in the middle of the field as they controlled the midfield battle.
Jude Bellingham, who was substituted in the 68th minute after failing to exert his desired influence on the game, posed no threat because of the trio’s lack of success.
#2 Harry Kane struggled early on for England
His performance against the United States was subpar. In the beginning, the Englishman appeared rather irritated. He was vigorously secluded higher up the pitch as none of Bukayo Saka, Raheem Authentic, or Artisan Mount had the option to break free effortlessly.
To get the ball and do something, Kane had to drop quite deep into his own half because of the struggle. He had the fewest touches of any outfield player who played the entire 90 minutes (39).
The striker for Tottenham Hotspur will be hoping for better results against Wales.
#1 The group is wide open
Group B has become even more exciting since England failed to defeat the United States.
After two games, England holds the lead in the table with four points. Three points separate Iran from the Three Lions and the United States. Wales, on the other hand, has only one point remaining.
The qualification scenario would have been over if England had won the match. However, with this draw, the race is now completely open, and all teams have a chance. In the group games’ final round, there will be nothing left to lose.