Following a lacklustre performance, England’s lead atop Group A was increased by just one point as they slumbered to a 0-0 draw with the United States in their second World Cup appearance.
In the first 45 minutes of their World Cup match against the USA, England appeared to be a completely different team than they had against Iran. Thanks to a strong performance from Gregg Berhalter’s team, the tempo had dropped, passes were errant, and gaps in their shape were being found all too easily.
Many would have predicted that the USA would lose steam after the break, but instead they kept up the pressure on England, who spent far too much time cooped up inside their own half defending their area. The United States kept probing as time ran out, but they were content to draw with England in the World Cup group stages a second time.
Early on, the USA made their intentions known. England had to stay compact for the first ten minutes before Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka executed a deft passage of play that resulted in a square ball for Harry Kane. They were unafraid to keep possession and display patience in high pressure situations.
Walker Zimmerman stopped his shot, but the opportunity swung the tide in England’s favour as they patiently probed through an aggressive press. However, patience quickly gave way to complacency as the USA countered quickly and looked to score whenever they had a moment in the area of England’s 18-yard box, while Matt Turner in goal remained unperturbed.
After 26 minutes, Weston McKennie wriggled free inside the box to finish a patient move, but his shot missed the mark. Following more organised possession at the expense of England’s carelessness, Christian Pulisic then had the chance of the half but missed it by rattling the crossbar from outside the box.
Despite receiving numerous warnings and being caught in possession numerous times, England was fortunate to enter halftime level because they were unable to penetrate the USA’s back line or even play through their well-practiced pressing formation. After barely making an impression for 45 minutes, Mason Mount finally forced Turner to make a save just before halftime, which served as a metaphor for England’s lacklustre and timid performance.
The proverbial rocket that England sorely needed during the break didn’t seem to happen, and the team’s mistakes from the first half were repeated at the beginning of the second.
England was still too laborious in possession and unsure of how to break the lines, so Berhalter’s team was well-positioned to snuff them out. Around the hour mark, Pulisic was given far too much time and room to dart inside and fire a shot just wide of Jordan Pickford’s post. This is understandable because with a better connection, the USA might have taken the lead.
The USA appeared to be in greater control as the game drew to a close. Both maintaining possession and getting close to their opponents were difficult for England.
With less than 20 minutes remaining, Southgate decided enough was enough and called on Jack Grealish and Jordan Henderson to help England get back into the match. And even though they did regain control of the ball for a longer period of time, they were unable to outpace the USA or enter the penalty area.
As time was running out, England still didn’t know how to get around their well-prepared rivals and instead spent more time passing the ball around the back before losing possession while moving forward aimlessly.
In stoppage time, Harry Kane missed England’s best opportunity of the game after a Luke Shaw free-kick. It was a time when not only their poor quality but also their alarming lack of originality and bravery were brought to light.
A draw is by no means a poor result, as England is still in a strong position to win the group, but given how they played, it still feels like a defeat. The USA, on the other hand, can be extremely pleased with their performance for the evening, if not disappointed that they were unable to snag a victory.
England vs USA player ratings – World Cup Group B
England (4-3-3)
GK: Jordan Pickford – 6/10
RB: Kieran Trippier – 4/10
CB: John Stones – 5/10
CB: Harry Maguire – 5/10
LB: Luke Shaw – 6/10
CM: Declan Rice – 5/10
CM: Jude Bellingham – 5/10
CM: Mason Mount – 3/10
RW: Bukayo Saka – 5/10
ST: Harry Kane – 6/10
LW: Raheem Sterling – 5/10
SUB: Jack Grealish (68′ for Sterling) – 6/10
SUB: Jordan Henderson (69′ for Bellingham) – 5/10
SUB: Marcus Rashford (78′ for Saka) – N/A
Manager: Gareth Southgate – 4/10
USA (4-3-3)
GK: Matt Turner – 6/10
RB: Sergino Dest – 6/10
CB: Walker Zimmerman – 7/10
CB: Tim Ream – 6/10
LB: Antonee Robinson – 7/10
CM: Weston McKennie – 7/10
CM: Tyler Adams – 8/10
CM: Yunus Musah – 7/10
RW: Tim Weah – 6/10
ST: Haji Wright – 6/10
SUB: Brenden Aaronson (77′ for McKennie) – 5/10
SUB: Shaq Moore (78′ for Dest) – N/A
SUB: Giovanni Reyna (83′ for Weah) – N/A
SUB: Josh Sargent (83′ for Wright) – N/A
SUB:
Manager: Gregg Berhalter – 7/10