USA and England share World Cup draw

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FIFA
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England v USA – Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022

All four teams in Group B can still progress heading in to the final round of matches.

  • USA are unbeaten in three World Cup matches against England
  • Christian Pulisic hit frame of goal but US couldn’t break through
  • Both teams remain in last-16 picture

England 0-0 USA | Group B Match review

USA extended their unbeaten FIFA World Cup™ record against England to three matches with a scoreless draw in Al Khor on Friday. It could have been even better for Gregg Berhalter’s team, who were sharper and more energetic than an England side that didn’t match the intensity and ambition of Monday’s six-goal show against IR Iran.

Christian Pulisic came closest to a breakthrough when the forward clattered the crossbar with a shot from the left of the box on 33 minutes. Pulisic saw another attempt deflect marginally wide in the second half, while midfielder Weston Mckennie twice aimed too high from promising positions.

Walker Zimmerman produced a tremendous block to thwart Harry Kane after 10 minutes. But goalkeeper Matt Turner, whose handling was superb all night, only had to make one save of note. Mason Mount’s low strike in first-half stoppage time was destined for the inside of the left post until Turner flung out a hand to tip the ball behind.

Kane headed wide from a Luke Shaw free-kick in the closing minutes but neither team would manage a decisive strike. USA beat England 1-0 in the 1950 competition and the sides drew 1-1 in South Africa 12 years ago. The point apiece on this occasion keeps England in the box seat at the summit of Group B. Coach Berhalter’s side will reach the last 16 if they defeat Iran on Tuesday.

Key moment

USA were on top and causing a strangely subdued England all manner of problems when Pulisic had a presentable opportunity to break the deadlock shortly after the half hour.

Chelsea winger Pulisic’s firm strike thudded into the woodwork and in that moment the US’s best chance to convert one point into three was gone. Neither side will be unhappy with the draw, given the broader context. England would have to collapse in barely conceivable fashion to suffer a group stage exit. USA’s destiny, meanwhile, remains in their own hands and they’d have probably settled for that before a ball was kicked in Qatar.

After watching Iran’s consummate display against Wales, however, Berhalter’s team will know they have their work cut out to beat Carlos Queiroz’s side to qualify for the last 16.

Had Pulisic’s strike hit the net and not the bar, USA would have needed only a draw against Iran to advance.

Quotes

England manager Gareth Southgate: “We didn’t have the same zip [as against Iran] but that will happen. This is tournament football. We are not going sweep through everybody without having nights like that where you have to show different qualities to get a result.

“Our two centre-backs with the ball were absolutely outstanding. They controlled the game. I don’t think people appreciate how good they are. And they both defended their box brilliantly. Silver medal was a point because it puts us in a really strong position. If we win our last game, we’ll win the group.”

Player of the match

  • Christian Pulisic

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