England’s slow progress is frustrating amid a deadlock with the United States.
England missed a chance to book their place in the World Cup last 16 as Gareth Southgate’s side produced a limp display in their 0-0 draw against the United States on Friday.
With a victory in their second game, Southgate’s men would have been assured of advancing from Group B, but they rarely threatened a resolute United States side.
After a 6-2 win over Iran on Monday, England were booed off the field after failing to match the intensity of their opening game.
The United States dominated for long stretches of the first half at Al Bayt Stadium, and the visitors managed only one shot on goal.
England’s performance against the United States in the World Cup was disappointing once again.
This was another courageous American effort against England, dampening some of the excitement surrounding the Three Lions in the wake of their rout at the hands of Iran.
Despite England’s lackluster showing, the country is still in charge of its own future.
On November 29, England will play Wales in their final group game. If England and Wales play to a draw, England will advance to the knockout stages; if England and Wales play to a victory, England will finish in first place in the group.
After splitting their first two games, the United States plays Iran on the same day, knowing that a victory would put them in the round of 16.
Gregg Berhalter’s group are the second youngest team at the World Cup, but a day after America celebrated Thanksgiving they left sluggish England looking like they were the ones who had indulged in too much turkey.
With Harry Kane and Harry Maguire recovered from an ankle injury and illness respectively, England named an unchanged team for the first time since the 2018 World Cup semi-final defeat against Croatia.
But, whereas England dominated possession against timid Iran from the opening moments, they found the US far more willing to press higher up the pitch.
Worked England
The US desire to engage England briefly left space in behind them and Jude Bellingham’s buccaneering run and pass freed Bukayo Saka down the right side of the US area.
Kane received Saka’s cross, but Walker Zimmerman was able to prevent a goal attempt.
The United States’ first real chance came when Haji Wright, a surprise starter in place of Josh Sargent, made a darting run into the area and attempted a header that sailed high and wide.
It served as a warning that the United States posed a threat to England, and Weston McKennie, who should have given the Americans the lead shortly thereafter, instead failed to do so.
Timothy Weah’s cross from wide on the right eluded the flat-footed England defence and the unmarked McKennie pulled the trigger from 10 yards, only to fire just wide of the relieved Pickford’ goal.
Showing no signs of being intimidated by England, Berhalter’s side were inches away from turning the enterprising display into a stunning lead when Christian Pulisic jinked into space and lashed a rising drive against the crossbar from just inside the area.
Giving the ball away far too easily and laboured in their build-up play, England looked rattled and Pulisic tested their fraying nerves with a header that glanced wide.
In a rare moment of menace from England, Saka’s pass found Mason Mount and the Chelsea’s midfielder low drive from 20 yards brought a first save from US keeper Matt Turner.
Epitomising the US spirit that was such a contrast to England’s lethargy, Tyler Adams crunched into a tackle on Saka, winning the ball and roaring in delight afterwards.
England remained stuck in first gear yet Kane nearly snatched an undeserved winner in stoppage time when he headed wide from Luke Shaw’s free-kick.
