England missed out on reaching the round of 16 at the World Cup in Qatar. The runners-up European champions did not get better than a 0-0 draw against the USA in their second group game, but still lead the table.
England’s point win was even a little lucky. The 1966 World Champion put on a disappointing football performance in Al-Khor on Friday evening (November 25th, 2022) and didn’t even create a handful of significant chances throughout the game. The USA had more chances, but are still waiting for their first win in the emirate. Nevertheless, coach Gregg Berhalter was very satisfied with his team’s performance: “We are proud of our performance.”
Next Tuesday (November 29, 2022, 8 p.m. CET) the Americans can certainly qualify for the round of 16 with a win against Iran. At the same time, England meets bottom-placed Wales in a brother duel and needs a point to progress safely.
Kane forgives England’s early lead
England coach Gareth Southgate relied on the same starting XI that beat Iran 6-2 in the opener. The Vice European Champion was not able to continue the enthusiastic performance in the first group game. The “Three Lions” had the first good chance (10th) through captain Harry Kane, whose shot was just blocked to the corner.
But then almost every combination flow was lost to them. The Americans managed to close the areas that were interesting for England due to an extremely high running rate. Keeper Matt Turner was not seriously tested again until injury time in the first half. The substitute keeper from Arsenal defended Mason Mount’s attempt from a corner (45 + 1).
USA shake off respect and are close to 1-0
At that point, the US boys could have been in the lead – if they didn’t have to. Because from the 15th minute, the seven-time Gold Cup winner was the better team. The eleven of the former Bundesliga professional Berhalter carried out their attacks calmly and deliberately and had the lead through two other former Germany legionnaires. First, ex-Schalke player Weston McKennie threw the ball over the goal from a few yards (26′). Seven minutes later, a brilliant left-footed shot by former Dortmund player Christian Pulisic hit the crossbar.
England keeper Jordan Pickford was – to put it mildly – not amused by the performance of his front men. The 28-year-old repeatedly expressed his dissatisfaction with a defensively unfocused and offensively uninspired performance, loudly and with gestures.
“Three Lions” cannot take off phlegm
Both teams started the second half unchanged. And not just in terms of personnel. The USA remained the more grippy and poisonous team, while England was initially unable to shake off its phlegm. There was just as little to be seen of the offensive players Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham, who were so strong against Iran, as of Kane, who, however, also waited in vain for useful passes in the front line. In short: The finest thing about England’s performance was Coach Southgate’s suit.
His opponent Berhalter stood in a T-shirt and training pants on the side edge and saw from there how his team miserably hit a number of corner balls into the penalty area and otherwise acted too awkwardly in the “box”. The USA did not reward themselves for the great effort they put in and a footballingly appealing presentation with a goal.
“I think we played really well. But the last pass and the goal were missing. But we’re really happy with the point. All we have to do against Iran is to go through,” said McKennie.
Kane: “It certainly wasn’t our best performance”
In the final phase, the Americans lost their strength a little. And England almost capitalized on that: a header from Kane just missed the target (90+3). “It certainly wasn’t our best performance. But in any case, we’re in a good position in the group now. And that’s the most important thing,” said Kane, to finally try a generality: “It’s a world championship. There there are no easy games.”