World Cup 2022: Third Time’s the Charm for Three Lions vs USA?

England vs USA

England are set to take on the United States for the third time in World Cup history. The first two meetings have not gone well for the English, who failed to win either of them; they famously lost to the Americans in 1950 and drew in 2010.

But the Three Lions will be hoping the third time’s the charm at World Cup 2022. Gareth Southgate’s men are riding high after smashing Iran 6-2 in their opening Group B match. And the World Cup 2022 betting odds will back them to beat the Americans, which would seal their spot in the last 16.

However, Southgate has warned of the danger the young and energetic Yanks present and will be hoping to avoid a setback against the Americans.

Talking Points

Kane’s ankle a concern for England

England had a sensational start to their World Cup 2022 campaign as they crushed Iran 6-2. Jude Bellingham was brilliant as he opened the scoring and bossed the midfield, Bukayo Saka bagged a brace, and Harry Kane had a couple of assists.

Given how impressively his side played, England coach Gareth Southgate could name an unchanged starting XI against the Americans.

However, Kane also picked up a knock on his ankle, and the latest World Cup 2022 updates reveal that Kane is set to have his ankle scanned. While this could just be precautionary, it is still a bit concerning that the England captain is not quite in peak condition.

Should Kane’s ankle force him to sit out against Iran, it will be interesting to see which option Southgate chooses at striker. Marcus Rashford and Callum Wilson both did well after coming on as substitutes against Iran, with Rashford scoring a goal and Wilson setting up Jack Grealish for England’s sixth goal.

Phil Foden, who has experience playing as a false nine with Manchester City, could also be a potential pick to become a focal point of the England attack against the Americans.

Aside from Kane, Harry Maguire also picked up a knock against Iran and is a slight doubt to play, while Kyle Walker is unlikely to start amid a lack of game time. Eric Dier appears to be the most likely candidate to replace Maguire should the Manchester United center-back miss out.

Pressure on Pulisic to produce

The US Men’s National Team missed a big opportunity to begin World Cup 2022 with a win. They were 1-0 up against Wales after Timothy Weah’s opening goal, but they conceded a late penalty which Gareth Bale converted as the Welsh salvaged a 1-1 draw.

Christian Pulisic provided the assist for Weah’s goal, but the Chelsea man was unable to record a single shot and the US had just six as a team.

With the lack of a star center-forward a glaring issue for the US, the pressure will once again be on Pulisic to put on a much better performance against England. But it will be a challenge as he will be up against stiffer competition than he did against Wales.

Meanwhile, the US could have a significant shakeup in their midfield, with both Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah coming off against Wales after picking up knocks. Losing one or both would be a major blow for the Americans, with Tyler Adams needing all the help he can get if the US hopes to apply pressure on England’s talented midfielders.

Adams’ Leeds teammate Brenden Aaronson and Kellyn Acosta will likely step in if McKennie and Musah miss out.

History

England and the USA have faced off 11 times, with the English having the clear upper hand with eight wins to the US’s two.

However, it has been a different story at the World Cup, where the US are unbeaten in their two games against the Brits. The Americans famously beat England 1-0 in the 1950 World Cup. And the two sides drew 1-1 when they met in the group stage in 2010.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have England installed as 1.60 favourites over the USA, who are priced at 5.20. A draw is 3.95.

Kane’s availability is certainly a concern for England, and his absence would be a big blow to the side. But there is still a lot to like from the Three Lions, who showed a more adventurous side to them in their win over Iran.

I expect them to deliver another fine performance against the Americans who, for all their effort and enthusiasm, are lacking in the experience and quality that the English possess.

 

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