A frustrated and sluggish England were held to a goalless draw against the USA. The USA had the most chances in the first half, nearly scoring at 32 minutes when Christian Pulisic hit the crossbar. Al-though, England finished the first half strong when Mason Mount made an intelligent run into the box, striking a first-time effort that was palmed behind by USA goalkeeper Matt Turner. The second half was a nerve-wracking affair for England fans, with the USA continuing to put Southgate’s men under pressure several times until Jack Grealish came on and injected some energy into England’s attack.
Speaking after the game, Kane said: “It wasn’t our best performance. We had some good spells but didn’t quite have the final product today. A great clean sheet puts us in a great position in the group. It was a complete contrast to the Iran game. Today we had two, three good opportunities but didn’t put them away. We know we can play better than that, but it is a draw in a World Cup, hence no game is easy. I think after the first game people thought we’d landslide every team we’d play but that is not the case. We weren’t ruthless enough.
Harry Maguire said: We weren’t at our best. But in the end, it’s a point and it puts us in a strong position in the group. World Cup games are never easy. They’re a good team. We weren’t ruthless enough or clinical enough in the final third, but we kept a clean sheet and we look forward to the Wales game.”
England headcoach Southgate also said: Exactly the sort of game I thought it would be… really tough, a good opponent. I knew it would be difficult for us after such a high to replicate that type of performance so I’m pleased with how the players applied themselves. Great resilience to their defending”.
However, England have never beaten the USA at the World Cup after playing 3 games against eachother, England lost 1 and drew 2. They played four more games against Brazil more often in the World Cup without winning. USA kept a clean sheet against a European nation in the World Cup for the first time since they won 1-0 against England in 1950. They had gone 18 games without one before today. England have had 12 goalless draws at the World Cup, the most of any nation in the history of the World Cup. Meanwhile, this was the USA’s first ever goalless draw at the World Cup.
A game filled with great intensity and fun. USA need to win their upcoming match while hoping Iran drops points against Wales. England will need to avoid defeat at all cost to qualify for them to qualify for the RO16.