England and the United States played to a goalless draw that was lively at times at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The result means that the final match will determine which teams will progress from Group B to the knockout stages.
If a goal was to be scored, the USMNT were the more likely of the two sides to find the back of the net, with England’s attack largely contained for most of the 90 minutes.
Weston McKinney had a great chance midway through the first half. In the 26th he met Tim Weah’s cross unmarked in the area. Despite having time and space, the Juventus player sent his shot over the bar.
Minutes later, an England-based USMNT player almost scored. Entering the box, Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic hit the crossbar and Jordan Pickford was helpless to react to England’s goal in the 31st.
England’s best chance of the game came late in the first half. After a good pass from Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount’s low shot was cleared by Matt Turner.
The United States came out with more initiative in the second half with Hadji Wright’s attempt blocked and McKinney again tipped the bar from close range in the opening minutes of the second half.
Gareth Southgate tried to shake up his feeble attack midway through the second 45 with the introduction of Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford, but neither could spark a sluggish attack.
Rashford’s meek shot on goal in the 87th was easily saved by Turner.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire was arguably England’s best player, with the centre-back acting as a calming presence in the area and using his height to make six clearances.
The result leaves England top of the group with four points, Iran with three, the United States with two and Wales with just one.
Day 3 of Group B is on Tuesday when England play Wales and the USMNT face Iran.
Iran beat Wales 2-0 in their previous Group B encounter on Friday.
Add Comment