England struggled to a draw against the USA to miss the chance to qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Gareth Southgate’s side finished second for long periods as they could not match the energy and intensity of the USA, who have their own hopes of making the last 16.
England, with Harry Maguire in defence, were uninspired and riding their luck when Weston McKinney missed an easy chance and Christian Pulisic hit the bar in the first half.
Mason Mount had a penalty saved by USA goalkeeper Matt Turner just before the break but it was an undistinguished display with no attacking players that saw the Three Lions beat Iran in their opening game. And they kept going in their match against Wales. Their fate is undecided.
England are strong favorites to qualify for the knockout stages, knowing they only need to avoid a four-goal defeat against Wales to progress.
Disappointing England is enough to earn a point.
England’s performance was unrecognizable from the creativity and danger that saw them overwhelm Iran just days earlier. Instead, it was a poor effort that drew loud jeers from the supporters at the final whistle.
They lacked any spark and zip, looked bored all round and were lucky that the USA, led by the excellent Pulisic, did not take advantage.
England barely created a moment of danger in the second half, with captain Harry Kane’s late header the only moment of trouble for the US.
Jude Bellingham was unable to provide the drive that was a highlight of Iran’s victory and was eventually replaced by Jordan Henderson.
Southgate’s decision to keep faith with Maguire has drawn considerable scrutiny given the long-serving Manchester United captain’s poor form at club level. The manager has relied on Maguire to continue 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 surprising reality check.
They will have to do much better when the stakes are raised later in the tournament.
Pulisic the standout performer
Pulisic has found his opportunities at Chelsea limited in recent times but here he showed exactly why he is rated so highly.
Pulisic is the USA’s talisman, moving forward and even acting as a cheerleader for his supporters as they press on in the second half.
He troubled the England defense with his intelligent running and control and was unlucky to see a powerful first-half drive bounce off the woodwork with Jordan Pickford beating him.
Leeds United’s Tyler Adams was another impressive figure as the USA fully embraced his approach – and could easily have had all three.
England have had a troubled history with the United States at the World Cup, losing in 1950 and drawing in 2010.
He was once again a thorn in the team here and at the final whistle England players and management looked relieved to escape with a point.
