Following an emphatic 6-2 win over Iran, England now know that a win over the USA guarantees qualification and a likely topping of the group. England had five goalscorers against Iran, all of which recorded their first World Cup goals for the Three Lions in what was a big statement in a matchweek full of shock wins and inabilities to break teams down. England will be raring to go against USA and, following their disappointing draw with Wales, know they can take them down.
The USA showed promise against Wales. However, not only did they fail to kill off the game but when pressed, they gave Wales chances that only their lack of quality prevented them from taking. England demonstrated their merciless finishing against Iran but also showed they can be caught on the counter. If the USA can dispossess England and cause trouble with Pulisic and Weah out wide, they could be in for a promising result.
England Team News
England confirmed Harry Maguire would be available for selection and is set to start his 50th game for his country. Harry Kane has not trained with England since suffering an injury against Iran. He has had a scan but is likely to start tomorrow. James Maddison is yet to train and won’t be available. Kyle Walker declared himself fit but may not start yet despite this.
England vs USA Predicted XI:
England shouldn’t spring many surprises. There may be justification to start Walker over an unimpressive Trippier. Especially to combat the pace and agility of Pulisic. However, I don’t expect he will be ready to start and will have a substitute role if any. Maguire, Stones and Shaw will all start.
Bellingham and Rice proved to be a classy pair in midfield and Mount put on a good display too. I cannot see any reason not to keep the midfield the same. In attack, if Kane is fit he will definitely start but if not, I could see Rashford starting in his stead. Sterling got his goal but his performance was not overall impressive. I still expect he will start along with Saka out wide. But I hope he mirrors Saka’s directness this time out.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Mount, Sterling; Kane
Predicted Score:
I will back England to another win, they were so impressive against Iran, I can see them showing similar gusto and intent to score. The USA could try and sit back and counter and it could pay off. However, I can’t see them stopping England from scoring a hatful, especially since if Wales had more quality, they would have scored more too. Expect Matt Turner to be busy tomorrow.
England to win 3-1
