England missed the chance to book their spot in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup after playing to a goalless draw with United States of America on Friday evening.
2022 FIFA World Cup
Result: England 0-0 United States
Date: 25 November 2022
Venue: Al Bayt Stadium
The Three Lions named an unchanged starting line-up for the first time since the 2018 World Cup, as Harry Kane shrugged off an ankle injury scare to lead the attack, with support from Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka.
USA talisman Christian Pulisic, teammates with Mount and Sterling at Chelsea, formed part of a front three with Haji Wright and Timothy Weah.
Gareth Southgate's charges looked to impose themselves in the game in the early exchanges but they were not a threat to the Stars and Stripes, who were well organized.
With England yet to spark, USA carved out the first opening in front of goal on 26 minutes after Weston McKennie received a cross unmarked at the back post but he lashed his volley over the crossbar.
Gregg Berhalter's men were encouraged from there, as Pulisic also came very close to breaking the deadlock just after the half-hour mark with a rocket that rattled the crossbar after an offload by Yunus Musah.
After a subdued period, England eventually created a good chance on the stroke of half-time after Luke Shaw broke away to reach the byline and played a cut-back but Saka did not have the finishing touches in the six-yard box.
The Three Lions were more on the front foot coming from the interval but they still could not break down USA, who were sitting deep
Southgate eventually made attacking changes, as Jack Grealish replaced Sterling on 68 minutes and ten minutes later Marcus Rashford came on for Saka for different dimension going forward.
With the game on the edge, Rashford had a chance for England in the dying minutes from a well crafted move in the box but his curling shot lacked power and was gathered by goalkeeper Matt Turner.
Despite the game lacking momentum, Kane almost snatched the winner in stoppage time with a header from a set-piece that sailed wide, as the two sides settled for a share of the spoils.
The Three Lions remain top of the Group B with four points while USA got their second point in third spot in the section.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
