England can book their place in the last 16 of the World Cup with a game to spare against the USA tonight. A 6-2 opener win over Iran got the Three Lions off to a flying start, the manner of that victory raising hopes that Gareth Southgate’s side could be set for a deep run in Qatar.
There have been concerns over Harry Kane’s fitness ever since, after he picked up a foot injury during the game, but Southgate has insisted the England captain is raring to go and leads the line tonight. Harry Maguire has also overcome any illness problems he may have had, with the Three Lions unchanged from the win against Iran.
It is expected to be a much tougher test for England as the USA will likely bring a fast-paced style of play. If the Americans lose tonight, it will come down to their final group stage match with Iran for a spot in the Round of 16. Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog below!
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Southgate explains decision not to bring Foden
“We thought it was the right thing to keep the team from the beginning.
“And then the wide players we went with Jack and Marcus instead of Phil in the changes. We thought Jack would sit the ball well for us and get us up the pitch.
“Marcus’ speed we thought would also be a threat in this latter part of the game.”
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Rice’s thoughts after the game…
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Kane positive despite the draw
Harry Kane remained upbeat about England’s World Cup hopes despite momentum stalling with a goalless draw against the USA.
He said: “No game is easy. People thought after our first performance we would want every team, but that’s not the case. It leaves us in a very good position.”
“We had good moments, we created good positions, but today we did not have the final product. A great clean sheet that puts us in a great position in the group. We weren’t clinical.
Read their full comments
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England ratings
Bukayo Saka – 5
Saka was England’s most forward forward throughout the 90 minutes and proved the biggest danger to the United States with his dribbling and direct crossing. Shot after Shaw’s deft dribble.
Raheem Sterling – 4
The Chelsea striker came off in the 68th minute having produced very little attacking action but played Mount in for his shot late in the first half.
Read our full player ratings here
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bogey side!
Once again England take on the USA in the World Cup.
You’d have to say this is a pretty good American team, and they’re only going to get better in four years’ time preparing for a World Cup at home.
They could be a real threat in 2026 the way things are going.
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The most exciting moment of the match?
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England still in good form
England will progress to the last 16 if they avoid a four-goal defeat against Wales. It’s safe to say they’re the favorites to do so.
However, they will want to win this game and seal top spot, it could be any of the Netherlands, Ecuador or Senegal in the next round.
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Dan Kilpatrick at Al Bayt Stadium
England booed Al Bayt. The big picture is that England are still very well placed to qualify in a result that reflects their second game at the Euros (0-0 with Scotland).
However, the USA exposed a number of flaws in England and it leaves Southgate with big questions.
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FT: England 0-0 USA
Well that was boring. So boring.
England with nothing really in attack, beyond the odd half chance. The US is the best overall, but ran out of gas a bit in the last 20 minutes or so.
The Three Lions are still well placed to reach the last eight, but this was a worrying display.
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90+3 min: Grealish push, free kick and another chance for England to put him in the box.
ALMOST! Shaw lays her down, Kane gets up and heads for it. He doesn’t direct it at all.