World Cup: England frustrated by USA
England 0 - 0 USA
England edged closer to a place in the World Cup knockout rounds with a lacklustre draw with the USA.
They will have to wait until their final group game with Wales on Tuesday to seal a last-16 spot.
Only a defeat to Wales by four goals or more would prevent Group B leaders England from making the next stage. However, Southgate will have to field questions about the big drop-off in his team's performance and how they can rediscover form for the business phase of this competition.
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Christian Pulisic crashed a first-half shot against the bar. Harry Maguire then had to head away a series of corners as the Americans put the pressure on in the second half. USA did enough to recalibrate perceptions about England's prospects. They have also boosted their own chances of progressing.
Picture credit - Football Pictures | Flickr
The concern about this England performance from the travelling support was compounded when Chelsea's Pulisic smashed a fierce left-foot shot against the frame of Pickford's goal from just inside the box.
Substitute Grealish won a couple of free-kicks around the opposition box and Kane's header from Shaw's cross in the final moments flew wide. After Phil Foden was left on the bench, there will again be questions about the adventurousness of England's manager.
Reaction
We spoke to a number of England fans about their opinion of the performance. Liam said: "England had no urgency, would rather pass backwards than try get forward, in fact, it kinda felt like stones and Maguire would have been happy spending the whole 90 minutes passing back and forward to each other, absolutely shocking."
Sam said: "Harry Maguire actually played secent. He made some good clearances and good tackles. You can't say the same for the rest of the team."
A reminder that Phil Foden plays every key game for the best football team on the planet.
— Richard Innes (@bigrichinnes) November 25, 2022
But apparently cannot even get off the bench for an #ENG team which can’t string three passes together #ENGUSA
Aaron added: " Honestly very surprised and thought that the USA would get dominated, but it was quite the opposite, they dominated for the most part and had the better chances Grealish was an inspiration coming off the bench, and Maguire was immense at the back. The USA are a well-drilled side with quite talented players and it proves they can hang with the elite."
