Qatar 2022: England – US Ends In Dead Rubber

After lighting up fireworks against Iran in the opener, England did not live up to expectations this time as they shared the spoils (0-0) against the United States on Friday in al-Khor during match day 2 of Group B in the World Cup.

England was disappointing, but nevertheless remain on a favorable lane before their last match against Wales next Tuesday in the final day of the group stage.

The United States, in their part, will play for qualification on the same day, in a fierce duel against Iran which for the moment is ahead of them by one point, in second place behind England.

The tactical formation of Gareth Southgate seemed to be out of inspiration and even the reliable skipper, Harry Kane was out of inspiration.

Uncertain prior to the game due to a suspected ankle injury, Tottenham striker Harry Kane started at kick-off but did not shine during a somewhat unexciting encounter. Kane, however, had the first chance in the 10th minute, when he sensed blood in the US penalty spot after a cross from Bukayo Saka, but his shot was deflected by American defender Walker Zimmerman.

After twenty minutes of fairly clear English dominance, the game was somewhat balanced and the Americans in turn were very close to opening the scores.

In the 26th minute, Lille striker Timothy Weah sent a nicely weighted pass to Weston McKennie whose side-footed attempt from the penalty spot went over Jordan Pickford’s goal.

The Everton keeper had another scare in the 33rd minute when Chelsea midfeilder Christian Pulisic had a shot from the left side of the penalty area which crashed into the crossbar of the English goal.

The US skipper later had a firm header at the 43rd minute that missed to find its way to the net.

England experienced some good moments at the end of the first half, with two chances in quick succession: Bukayo Saka’s effort on a cross from Luke Shaw (45th) and a nice shot at the edge of the surface of Mason Mount, deflected for a corner by Matt Turner (45 + 1).

The first half scenario was almost identical in the second half, with the English struggling against the Americans led by an excellent Christian Pulisic, more than ever inspired by his captaincy and fulfilled his services needed by his team.

However England, in a last burst, nearly had the last word in added-on time, on a free kick from the left by Luke Shaw for Kane whose header did not find the target (90 + 3) . A day that saw the captain of the Three Lions absent from the occasion.