England-USA is a match in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup and is played on Friday at 20:00: odds, predictions, TV and streaming
A convincing performance was what England needed to banish the doubts and bad thoughts that accompanied Gareth Southgate’s selection on the eve of their World Cup adventure. Instead, Kane and his team-mates responded in kind, thrashing Iran in their debut match at Qatar 2022 and immediately topping Group B. Solitary top spot, since a few hours later the USA and Wales, predictably, divided the stakes. An exaggerated success – the match ended 6-2 – in which the Three Lions’ national team was able to show off all its often unexpressed talent. Admittedly, the one against the Iranians cannot be considered a test, but it was surprising to see how England were able to juggle and find space in a ‘jungle’ of white shirts, whose only objective was to clog up their own area.
Curiously, the absence of the Tottenham striker stood out in the scorers’ table, who for once was limited to doing a valuable job as a back-rower. Kane did not find the path to goal, but in his place the various Bellingham, Sterling, Saka (two goals), Rashford and Grealish did, demonstrating the wide range of solutions available to the selector, who has often come under fire from critics at home. It can be said, in any case, that England have rediscovered their attack, considering that in the last Nations League, between June and September, they had only scored four goals in six matches.
All judgement, however, remains suspended in view of the next challenge against the USA, who represent a real taboo for England at the World Cup. Against their American ‘cousins’, in fact, they have never won at the World Cup. Gregg Berhalter’s men will try to carry on the tradition: they arrive at this match in confidence, having come close to taking the three points (1-1) in the opener against Wales. They played a good game, underplaying the Welsh in terms of play but were caught up in the end by a penalty from Bale. From the midfield upwards things seem to be working. Pulisic is the man on top and he surprised even the son of art Weah, author of the goal of the momentary lead.
England-US: the latest line-up news
Weah
Breath of relief for Southgate: there were fears of a possible injury for Kane after his ankle problems, but the Spurs striker trained regularly with the rest of the team and will also lead the attack against the Americans. In defence, Maguire should also be confirmed, also like Kane who left early with a muscle problem: nothing serious for the controversial Manchester United defender. Walker is also feeling better, but the Manchester City full-back will most likely come into the match as the game progresses: Newcastle outside-back Trippier will start again.
No changes in the US eleven. Berhalter will confirm the 4-3-3, with the offensive trident formed by Weah, Sargent and Pulisic. Tightening his teeth is McKennie, who came off badly in the match against Wales: he will complete the midfield along with Adams and Musah.
The Prediction
This time England should get the better of an opponent they have strangely never beaten in a World Cup. The star-studded selection should not take too passive an attitude, and for this reason we could see an entertaining match, with at least three goals in total and with both teams scoring.
England-US likely line-ups
- INGHILTERRA (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Mount, Sterling; Kane.
- USA (4-3-3): Turner; Dest, Zimmerman, Ream, A. Robinson; McKennie, Adams, Musah; Weah, Sargent, Pulisic.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
