In their first World Cup meeting since 2010, England and the United States battled to a scoreless draw at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar. The second draw for the Americans leaves Tuesday’s final Group Stage match, against Iran, with “win or go home” stakes. England remain on track to finish first in the group and advance to the knockout round. The Associated Press has the Story:
US and England held to scoreless draw in key match
Newslooks- DOHA, QATAR (AP)
The US and England have tied, 0-0, in just their third match in World Cup history.
The Group B game was considered a key test for the young, promising Americans, and they held their own in the scoreless contest.
The US’s hopes of progressing into the knockout rounds are still in its own hands, knowing a win against Iran on Tuesday will see it through to the last 16.
The USA had the most chances in the first half, nearly scoring at 32 minutes when Christian Pulisic hit the crossbar, though England finished the first half strong when Mason Mount made an intelligent run into the box, striking a first-time effort that was palmed behind by USA goalkeeper Matt Turner.
The second half was a nerve-wracking affair for England fans, with the USA continuing to put Southgate’s men under pressure several times until Jack Grealish came on and injected some energy into England’s attack.
The US has continued its dominance into the second half and has England pegged into its own half of the pitch.
It’s been wave after wave of attack, but the Americans can’t quite find the breakthrough.
Christian Pulisic has taken a number of corners, which has whipped up the crowd behind the England goal. The forward has been encouraging them to make even more noise.
The US needs to capitalize on this period of play – or the team may regret it.
Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford attempted to test the USA’s defence after Kane played him a fine ball, but there was no intent in the strike and it was an easy save.
England missed out on a big chance late on after a last-minute effort from Kane saw his header from Luke Shaw’s free-kick go wide.
Speaking after the game, Kane said: “It wasn’t our best performance. We had some good spells but didn’t quite have the final product today. A great clean sheet puts us in a great position in the group.
“Just needed to be clinical, a complete contrast to Iran. Today we had two, three good opportunities but didn’t put them away.
“We know we can play better than that, but it is a draw in a World Cup – no game is easy. I think after the first game people thought we’d landslide every team we’d play but that is not the case.”
The Three Lions opened their campaign with a convincing victory over Iran and will aim for another three points when they face Wales on Tuesday.
A frustrated England were held to a goalless draw against the USA in their second World Cup match. England had an early chance in the first half when Bukayo Saka sent the ball to Harry Kane in the box from 10 yards, before the captain’s low finish was blocked by the USA’s Walker Zimmerman.
Gareth Southgate’s men currently top Group B with four points following their earlier win against Iran.
Wales looks unlikely to get out of the group after losing to Iran earlier today 2-0 and a 1-1 draw against the USA last Monday.
All four teams can still qualify from Group B, with England needing to avoid a 4-0 loss in their final match against Wales on Tuesday night to qualify for the knockout phase.
