2022 World Cup: USA holds England to a goalless draw

England squandered their chance to wrap up World Cup last-16 qualification early after being held to a goalless draw by the USA.

Both England and the United States had chances to score but failed to convert their shots into goals. Chelsea star, Christian Pulisic hit the crossbar during the first half of the match while his American teammate Weston McKennie shot over the goal from about 7 meters out.

English captain Harry Kane had a chance to win the match with a header but sent the ball wide.

England, the favorite to win the match, has met the United States three times at the World Cup but is yet to get a win against the Americans. Apart from Friday, the teams played in 1950, in which the United States won 1-0, and in 2010 when the teams played to a 1-1 draw.

England fans in the Al Bayt Stadium jeered the team off at the final whistle but Kane claimed they showed another side in their performance by keeping a clean sheet.

Three Lions captain Kane also warned that fans cannot expect a huge, thumping win in every game. He said:

“It wasn’t our best performance for sure, we had some good spells with the ball, got in some good positions but didn’t quite have the final product. But it was a great clean sheet which puts us in great position. But we needed to be clinical which was the complete contrast to the Iran game when we took our chances really well.

“Today we had two or three good opportunities but didn’t manage to put them away, overall we’re playing a tough team, now we have move on. They pressed well, we knew they’d press well and make it difficult, they’re a good side and you have to respect them. A draw still puts us in a great position in the group, we look forward to the next one.

“Of course we know we can play better but it’s a draw in the World Cup. No game is easy in the World Cup, after our first game people thought we would landslide every team but that wasn’t the case. We came up against an organised team with some quality players so we have to respect that, clean sheet is really pleasing, a point isn’t what we came here for but at least we’re in a good position.”

Iran and Wales are in Group B along with England and the United States. Iran lost its first match to England 6-2 while the United States and Wales played to a 1-1 draw.

All four countries are still in contention to advance to the round of 16, but England has the easiest path having already earned four points in the group stage. They are followed by Iran with three points, the United States with two and Wales with one.

The United States must win against Iran when they play on Tuesday to advance.