By Sedara Oluwadara
A vibrant United States side outplayed England in their World Cup Group B battle but were left to rue a flurry of missed chances as they were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw at the Al Bayt Stadium on Friday.
England, unchanged from Monday’s 6-2 win over Iran, could have sealed their place in the knockout phase with a win but were careless in possession and struggled frequently.
The youthful American side, full of pace and skill, kept England on the back foot for much of the game.
The Three Lions, famously defeated by the US at the 1950 World Cup, didn’t manage a shot on goal in the second half until the 87th minute, with only three shots on goal in the whole match.
The US were bolder than in the 1-1 draw with Wales and dominated in the first half. Haji Wright, the only new name in the starting line-up, headed wide before Weston McKennie fired over and Christian Pulisic rattled the woodwork.
Kane had one early effort blocked and Mason Mount had England’s best first-half chance saved.
The US dropped back in the second half and defended as a unit when needed, giving England little room to work with.
Even with this result, England – now on four points – will qualify for the Round of 16, unless Wales beat them by four or more goals when they face off next Tuesday
