The United States Men’s National Team remained unbeaten against England at the World Cup, securing their second draw of the Group Stage after a 0-0 draw in Group B play and giving themselves a chance to advance to the knockout round with a win over Iran on Tuesday.
England won the possession battle in the match, controlling the ball for more than 55% of the match, but struggled to create many chances against the United States.
England had the first opportunity of the match, breaking on the counter in the 10th minute. Jude Bellingham made a long run into the penalty area before laying the ball off to Bukayo Saka, whose cross found Harry Kane right at the penalty spot. Kane’s effort, which was certainly heading for goal, was deflected out by Walker Zimmerman for a corner kick. England’s corner missed everyone and eventually the ball made its way to Mason Mount, whose effort from distance was skied into the stands.
After England continued to control the run of play, the United States finally had their first chance to test the Three Lions’ backline. Antonee Robinson began the counter with a long run along the left side, giving the Americans’ possession deep in the England half in the 17th. The ball made its way to Weston McKennie at the right edge of the penalty area and the Juventus star’s cross found Haji Wright in front of goal, but his header was wide of the near post.
Despite being out-possessed early, the Americans continued to keep the pressure on the Group B leaders.
Sergiño Dest brought the ball near the corner flag before turning and leaving a pass off to Timothy Weah at the right edge of the penalty area. Weah’s cross found McKennie right in front of the penalty spot but his half-volley was launched over the net.
Yunus Musah joined the attacking party in the 29th minute when he dribbled past his first defender, but his shot was blocked by Declan Rice right to the England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for an easy save.
McKennie and Musah continued to pester the England defense, teaming up to help create the best American chance of the first half in the 32nd minute. McKennie made a 30-yard run to the edge of the penalty area and chipped the ball to Musah in the middle of the field. Musah moved the ball over the Christian Pulisic whose right-footed strike beat Pickford but ricocheted off the crossbar out of bounds.
The United States proceeded to win two corners in a matter of minutes but both of Pulisic’s deliveries were easily cleared away by England’s Harry Maguire.
It took until first half stoppage time for England to generate their first chance on goal. Raheem Sterling found Mason Mount right at the edge of the penalty area and Mount’s first-touch forced Matt Turner into a diving save to his right, knocking the ball out for a corner kick. The ensuing corner was dealt with by the Americans, sending the match into halftime tied at zero.
Despite England possessing the ball more than 60% of the half, the United States outshot England six to five with each side having a single shot on goal.
The Americans began the second half dropping back for the first few minutes before Antonee Robinson dispossessed Saka, giving Pulisic the opportunity to break in the 49th minute. The Hershey, PA-native made a half-field run before finding Haji Wright near the penalty area. Wright’s effort was blocked right to Weston McKennie, but his shot from distance had too much on it and completely missed the target.
After both sides exchanged possession, the United States won three corners. All three of the corners were again cleared by Harry Maguire, not allowing the Americans to record a shot on goal despite the multiple chances.
Another counter-attacking chance gave the United States a corner kick and Pulisic’s effort to the far-post forced Pickford to tip the ball out of bounds. The ensuing corner kick bounced around before Raheem Sterling was fouled, thwarting the American attack once again.
After multiple subs for each side, England were finally able to secure their second shot on goal of the match. Marcus Rashford, who came on for Bukayo Saka in the 78th minute, got the ball around the penalty area and created enough space to take a right-footed shot that lacked power and went right to Matt Turner for the easy save in the 87th minute
England continued to pressure the American backline in stoppage time, winning a corner in the 91st minute after Shaq Moore was forced to clear the ball from the penalty area. The ensuing corner found the head of Harry Maguire but his effort had no power behind it and bounced into the arms of Turner.
Jack Grealish continued England’s charge, winning a free kick for his side in the second minute of stoppage time after being fouled by Musah. Luke Shaw’s cross found Harry Kane at the penalty spot, but the world-class striker’s header missed the net.
A last-minute free kick for the American’s was wasted, giving each side a point after the match finished at 0-0.
The United States outshot England 10-8, though England had three shots to the American’s one on goal.
England are still in first place in Group B with four points and will complete play in Group B against Wales on Tuesday at 2 p.m. EST on FS1.
The United States (2 points) will need to win against Iran in their final Group B match on Tuesday at 2 p.m. EST on Fox to advance to the knockout stages of the World Cup.
USMNT
England
