England will seek to build on the momentum they gained from their remarkable opening-day win against Iran when they meet the US in their penultimate group match on Friday night.
Team USA were minutes away from starting their World Cup mission with a win, but a late Gareth Bale penalty forced them to share the spoils with Wales.
Gareth Southgate’s side put behind the memories of their dismal UEFA Nations League campaign as they ran riot against Iran to kickstart their World Cup 2022 campaign on Monday evening.
Jude Bellingham opened the scoring before Bukayo Saka bagged a brace, and Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish all grabbed a piece to hand England a 6-2 win over Team Meli.
England will now set their sights on picking up a second win and all but confirming the top spot before taking on Wales in an all-British affair in the final group match.
The Three Lions have won eight times against the US in eleven meetings across all competitions. They will be keen on adding one more win to that tally.
USA would feel they could have taken more from their opening match against Wales after the final whistle went off.
Gregg Berhalter barely gave their opposition a foothold in the game in the first half, but they had only one Timothy Weah goal to show for it.
Wales reorganised after the break, grew into the game, and eventually nicked the winner eight minutes from regular time. Walker Zimmerman brought down Gareth Bale inside the penalty box, and the LAFC star did not waste the golden opportunity to restore parity.
USA famously finished ahead of England in their group in the 2010 World Cup when Clint Dempsey scored for the Stars and Stripes, thanks to a goalkeeping error by Robert Green.
Christian Pulisic and company will be hoping to do one better and claim the full three points this time around to boost their chances of making it to the next round.
Team News
Gareth Southgate has confirmed that Harry Kane will start against the US. The England skipper picked up an ankle injury in the Iran game, but scans could not find any serious damage.
Harry Maguire also came off after having blurred vision, but he has been declared fit to play as well.
Kyle Walker has returned to full training, but Southgate might not risk him.
James Maddison dod not take part in the recent training sessions as he is yet to regain full fitness. So, it’s going to be the same midfield lineup that played against Iran.
Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah were precautionarily taken off against Wales, but they have received the green light to feature on Friday.
Christian Pulisic will be accompanied by Joshua Sargent and Timothy Weah on the frontline.
Our Prediction
USA have an energetic and youthful squad. But they might struggle to cope with the intensity of this England side.
We are expecting a 3-1 win for England.
Date: 26 November
Kickoff: 12:30 AM IST
Venue: Al Bayt Stadium
