England labour to goalless draw against USA

England labour to goalless draw against USA

England laboured to a drab draw against the United States to miss the chance to seal qualification for the World Cup knockout stage.

Gareth Southgate's side were second best for long periods as they failed to match the energy and intensity of the USA, who have their own hopes of making the last 16.

England, with Harry Maguire outstanding in defence, were unimpressive and rode their luck when Weston McKennie missed an easy chance and Christian Pulisic struck the bar in the first half.

Mason Mount brought a fine save from USA goalkeeper Matt Turner just before the break but this was an undistinguished display that carried none of the attacking verve that saw the Three Lions thrash Iran in their opening game, and leaves them heading into their match against Wales with their fate undecided.

England remain firm favourites to qualify for the knockout stage, knowing they only need to avoid a four-goal defeat against Wales to progress.

Dismal England do just enough to earn point

England's performance was unrecognisable from the creativity and threat that saw them overwhelm Iran just a few days ago. Instead, this was a lacklustre effort that drew loud jeers from supporters at the final whistle.

They were devoid of any spark and zip, looked jaded throughout and were fortunate that the USA, led by the excellent Pulisic, did not take advantage.

England barely created a moment of danger in the second half, captain Harry Kane's late header wide the only moment of anxiety for the USA.

Jude Bellingham was unable to provide the drive that was a highlight of the Iran victory and he was eventually replaced by Jordan Henderson.

Southgate's decision to keep faith with Maguire has drawn plenty of deserved scrutiny, given the Manchester United captain's poor form over a long period at club level. The manager has banked on Maguire continuing his solid track record at major tournaments, and he was indeed a rare shining light on a very poor night for England.

England are still almost certain to qualify but this was a jarring reality check.

They will have to perform far better than this when the stakes are raised later in the tournament.

Pulisic the standout performer

Pulisic has found his opportunities limited at Chelsea in recent times but here he showed exactly why he is so highly rated.

Pulisic is the USA's talisman, leading from the front and even acting as a cheerleader for their supporters as they applied pressure in the second half.

He troubled England's defence with his intelligent running and control and was desperately unlucky to see a powerful first-half drive bounce back off the woodwork with Jordan Pickford beaten.

Leeds United's Tyler Adams was another inspirational figure as the USA fully merited their point - and might easily have had all three.

England have a history of trouble with the USA at World Cups, having lost in 1950 and drawn in 2010.

They again proved to be a thorn in the side here and come the final whistle England's players and management looked relieved to have escaped with a point.

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Player of the match

PulisicChristian Pulisic

Line-ups

England

Formation 4-2-3-1

1Pickford

12Trippier5Stones6Maguire3Shaw

22Bellingham4Rice

17Saka19Mount10Sterling

9Kane

1Pickford12Trippier5Stones6Maguire3Shaw22BellinghamSubstituted forHendersonat 69'minutes4Rice17SakaSubstituted forRashfordat 78'minutes19Mount10SterlingSubstituted forGrealishat 68'minutes9Kane

Substitutes

2Walker7Grealish8Henderson11Rashford13Pope14Phillips15Dier16Coady18Alexander-Arnold20Foden21White23Ramsdale24Wilson26Gallagher

USA

Formation 4-4-2

1Turner

2Dest3Zimmerman13Ream5Robinson

8McKennie4Adams6Musah10Pulisic

21Weah19Wright

1Turner2DestSubstituted forMooreat 78'minutes3Zimmerman13Ream5Robinson8McKennieSubstituted forAaronsonat 77'minutes4Adams6Musah10Pulisic21WeahSubstituted forReynaat 83'minutes19WrightSubstituted forSargentat 83'minutes

Substitutes

7Reyna9Ferreira11Aaronson12Horvath14de la Torre15Long16Morris17Roldán18Moore20Carter-Vickers22Yedlin23Acosta24Sargent25Johnson26ScallyReferee:Jesús ValenzuelaAttendance:68,463

Live Text

Match ends, England 0, USA 0.

Second Half ends, England 0, USA 0.

Foul by Harry Maguire (England).

Giovanni Reyna (USA) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

Attempt missed. Harry Kane (England) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Luke Shaw with a cross following a set piece situation.

Jack Grealish (England) wins a free kick on the left wing.

Foul by Yunus Musah (USA).

Attempt saved. Harry Maguire (England) header from the centre of the box is saved in the top left corner. Assisted by Kieran Trippier with a cross.

Corner, England. Conceded by Shaq Moore.

Jordan Henderson (England) wins a free kick on the right wing.

Foul by Christian Pulisic (USA).

Attempt saved. Marcus Rashford (England) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Jack Grealish.

Foul by Luke Shaw (England).

Christian Pulisic (USA) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

Jack Grealish (England) wins a free kick on the left wing.

Foul by Shaq Moore (USA).

Substitution, USA. Josh Sargent replaces Haji Wright.

Substitution, USA. Giovanni Reyna replaces Timothy Weah.

Luke Shaw (England) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

Foul by Shaq Moore (USA).

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