England take on the United States in their second group match on Friday, November 25 at 19:00GMT at the Al Bayt Stadium.
The Stars and Stripes of USA will be seeking their first win having dropped points in the dying embers of their opening match against Wales. It was the Americans who first struck in the first half when Wales showed less ambition, however, Gregg Berhalter’s men couldn’t hold on to the lead as Gareth Bale won and converted a penalty for the Dragons
England will be coming into this game, knowing that a win guarantees them a place in the last 16 after thumping their Iranian counterparts 6-2 in their first 2022 World Cup game. There were goals for teenage sensation Jude Bellingham and Rahim Sterling as well as a brace for Bukayo Saka. Marcus Rashford also got his name on the score sheet despite starting from the bench before Jack Grealish cemented the victory for the 1966 champions. Medhi Taremi however got a brace on the day to reduce the margin for Team Meli.
USA will need to at least replicate their first-half dominance against Wales in this crucial fixture if they have any rational ambition of making it past the group phase.
FORM GUIDE (LAST FIVE MATCHES)
After six matches, the Three Lions got their first win and their first time scoring 5+ goals in a game after a year when they humiliated San Marino with 10 unanswered goals. USA have just two wins and three draws in their last five matches.
ENGLAND’S FORM
21 November 2022 England 6-2 Iran World Cup 2022 Group B
26 September 2022 England 3–3 Germany UEFA Nations League A
23 September 2022 Italy 1–0 England UEFA Nations League A
14 June 2022 England 0–4 Hungary UEFA Nations League A
11 June 2022 England 0–0 Italy UEFA Nations League A
USA’S FORM
21 November 22 USA 1-1 Wales 2022 World Cup Group B
27 September 22 Saudi Arabia 0–0 United States Friendly
23 September 22 Japan 2–0 United States Friendly
14 June 22 El Salvador 1–1 United States Nations League GS
10 June 22 United States 5–0 Grenada Nations League GS
HEAD TO HEAD
The two sides have met eleven times. England have won seven against USA’s three with a single draw. At the World Cup, England have played USA twice. First in 1950 and then in 2010. The Americans won 1-0 in 1950 while the encounter in 2010 ended in a 1-1 draw.
29 Jun 1950 USA 1-0 England FIFA World Cup
08 Jun 1953 USA 3-6 England International Friendly
28 May 1959 USA 1-8 England International Friendly
27 May 1964 USA 0-10 England International Friendly
16 Jun 1985 USA 0-5 England International Friendly
09 Jun 1993 USA 2-0 England US Cup
07 Sep 1994 England 2-0 USA International Friendly
28 May 2005 USA 1-2 England International Friendly
28 May 2008 England 2-0 USA International Friendly
12 Jun 2010 England 1-1 USA FIFA World Cup
15 Nov 2018 England 3-0 USA International Friendly
TEAM NEWS
ENGLAND
Kyle Walker and James Maddison are still doubtful to be in contention while Maguire and Kane seem to be okay to start the game. The previous lineup for the Iran clash may not be changed with Sterling and Saka on the wings as Mason Mount plays in front of Rice and Bellingham behind Harry Kane.
PREDICTED LINEUP
(4-2-3-1): Pickford; Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Mount, Sterling; Kane
USA
McKennie and Musah should be fine to start the game despite being subbed off following knocks in the Wales match. The three England based attackers, Pulisic, and Joshua Sargeant are likely to lead the attack with Timothy Weah for the Stars and Stripes
PREDICTED LINEUP
(4-3-3): Turner; Dest, Zimmerman, Ream, A. Robinson; McKennie, Adams, Musah; Weah, Sargent, Pulisic