England Fans Rip Gareth Southgate, Three Lions for Lifeless Offense in Draw vs. USA
Nov 25, 2022
AL KHOR, QATAR - NOVEMBER 25: Sergino Dest of United States controls the ball against Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount of England during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between England and USA at Al Bayt Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Four days after scoring six goals in a
romp over Iran to open the 2022 FIFA World Cup, England generated
just three shots on target in a 0-0 draw with the United States on
Friday.
The Three Lions failed to generate consistent attacking pressure against an American side that
surprisingly held a 10-8 advantage in shots attempted. Neither side
could find the necessary execution in the final third to break the
scoreless deadlock.
England manager Gareth Southgate drew criticism for his substitution decisions, including the choice
to bring on veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson when the side sorely
needed an attacking spark, but his side still sits atop the Group B
table.
England: 4 points (1-1-0)
Iran: 3 points (1-0-1)
United States: 2 points (0-2-0)
Wales: 1 point (0-1-1)
Here's a look at some of the Twitter
reaction to the performance from Southgate and England as a whole:
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Trent Alexander-Arnold is England’s best RB. It’s criminal for Southgate to not even feature him in this game that had no creativity whatsoever.
You can attack by going over, around or through the opposition. #England did none of these. Lots of horizontal passes with little value attempts of verticality or wing play…
Profile of players in the squad could have facilitated these attacking needs..#WorldCup2022
Trippier is hindering England SO much imo! Might be tactical instruction but even then he HAS to start pushing higher! He’s so good at crossing but sits way too deep to ever try!
Means England only ever attack down their left flank really.
Southgate playing the percentages by avoiding defeat to an impressive USA side but that doesn’t negate more dilatory in-game management, a lack of adventure, ignoring Foden and persevering with Mount. Kane played at a glacial pace. Maguire very good again.
Poor performance from @England, but that happens at a World Cup at some stage. The big question, even with such a talented bunch, is whether the manager can change things positively with his tactics and substitutions when it’s not working.
The Three Lions will have plenty of
adjustments to implement before Tuesday's clash with Wales,
especially in terms of building more sustained attacks out of the
back, but they remain in a promising position ahead of the
group-stage finale.
A draw against the Dragons would
guarantee a berth in the knockout stages, regardless of what happens
in the United States vs. Iran fixture, and even a loss by three goals
or fewer would be enough.
That said, a lot of talk over the next
four days will surround what version of the England squad will show
up for the rest of the tournament.
The one that looked virtually
unstoppable on the attack against Iran can make a deep
World Cup run and even win the tournament. The one that
showed up Friday against the United States isn't a title threat.
Tuesday's match will provide more clues
about what direction England is going in Qatar.
World Cup 2022 Scores: Friday's Group Results and Saturday's Schedule
Nov 25, 2022
AL KHOR, QATAR - NOVEMBER 25: Tyler Adams of USA (L) battles for possession with Mason Mount of England (R) during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between England and USA at Al Bayt Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Markus Gilliar - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
The United States men's national team put itself in a decent position to advance to the knockout round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup by producing a 0-0 draw with England on Tuesday night.
Gregg Berhalter's team sits in third place in Group B after the draw, but it can beat the team directly in front of it, Iran, on Tuesday to move on to the round of 16.
The complexion of the group changed from what we expected it to be in the two group matches played on Friday.
Iran scored two late goals to beat Wales four days after it conceded six goals to England.
England had an opportunity to secure safe passage into the knockout round with a win over the USMNT. While qualification is all but sealed for the Three Lions, they will need a result against Wales on Tuesday to secure top spot and an easier round-of-16 opponent, which will benefit the American needs from that contest.
Group A is a bit easier to figure out since only three of its four teams are still alive to advance to the knockout round.
The Netherlands and Ecuador played to a 1-1 draw after Senegal beat Qatar 3-1. The host nation Qatar was eliminated by way of the Netherlands-Ecuador draw.
Group B
1. England - 4 points (6 goals for, 2 goals against, +4 goal differential)
2. Iran - 3 (4 GF, 6 GA, -2 GD)
3. United States - 2 (1 GF, 1 GA, 0 GD)
4. Wales - 1 (1 GF, 3 GA, -2 GD)
The USMNT had a handful of chances throughout the 90 minutes to pick up its first win in Qatar.
Weston McKennie missed a close-range shot and Christian Pulisic hit the crossbar in the first half. The Americans played better in the final 20-25 minutes to put England on the back foot.
The scoring chances were harder to come by for both teams in the second half. Harry Kane had an opportunity to score late off a free kick, but his header was directed to the left of the goal.
The USMNT flexed its defensive mettle throughout the 90 minutes. Tyler Adams was massive with his positioning and tackles in front of the penalty area. Tim Ream and Walker Zimmerman had solid games at center back. Matt Turner came up with two big saves to preserve the clean sheet.
Gregg Berhalter's side could finish first in Group B with a win over Iran and a Wales victory over England. They would leap over Iran in the table and have too many points for Wales to eclipse in that scenario.
That seems unlikely with the way Wales played in Friday's first game, a 2-0 loss to Iran.
Iran looked much better than it did in its 6-2 loss to England thanks to a better tactical plan from manager Carlos Queiroz.
The Iranians finally pounced on the Welsh defense after goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was sent off in the 85th minute.
Roozbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaeian scored three minutes apart in second-half stoppage time to give Iran the three points.
Iran needs a win over the USMNT to go through to the round of 16. A draw will be enough as long as Wales don't win. Wales needs the most help of the four squads, as it needs a win over England and some help in terms of goal differential to advance.
Group A
1. Netherlands - 4 points (3 GF, 1 GA, +2 GD)
2. Ecuador - 4 (3 GF, 1 GA, +2 GD)
3. Senegal - 3 (3 GF, 3 GA, 0 GD)
4. Qatar - 0 (1 GF, 5 GA, -4 GD) (eliminated from advancing to knockout round)
The Netherlands, Ecuador and Senegal will go into the final matches of Group A with chances of advancing to the knockout round.
That scenario was put in play by Friday's results, as Senegal beat Qatar 3-1 and the Netherlands tied 1-1 with Ecuador.
The draw between the Netherlands and Ecuador moved both squads up to four points, and it subsequently eliminated Qatar from advancing to the round of 16.
Cody Gakpo and Enner Valencia each added to their goal hauls in Qatar with a tally for their respective sides, one in each half.
Gakpo continued his case to be the best young player of the tournament with his sixth-minute strike. The 20-year-old PSV Eindhoven player has two of the three Dutch goals at the World Cup.
Valencia leveled the contest in the 49th minute. Ecuador almost had a goal before the halftime whistle, but it was ruled out for offside. Valencia now has the last six World Cup goals scored by La Tri.
Senegal made sure it would be relevant on the final day of Group A play as it took care of Qatar by a 3-1 score. Boulaye Dia, Famara Diédhiou and Bamba Dieng netted the three tallies for the African side.
Qatar scored its first goal of the tournament (and its first World Cup goal ever), but it was not enough to remain competitive with Senegal. The host nation will be playing for pride against the Netherlands on Tuesday.
All sorts of permutations are in play for Netherlands-Qatar and Ecuador-Senegal. The simplest ones are a Dutch win or draw gets them through, as does a win or draw by Ecuador or a win for Senegal. A draw in the Ecuador-Senegal game favors the South Americans, as Senegal will need Qatar to beat the Netherlands.
The United States men's national team faces a massive challenge on Friday against England. The Americans come into Friday's Group B clash two points adrift of...
The United States Men's National Team marked their return to the World Cup with a disappointing draw against Wales in their group-stage opener. What looked...
Fans Rue Wasted Chances As Christian Pulisic, USA Draw with Wales at 2022 World Cup
Nov 21, 2022
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 21: Christian Pulisic of United States of America looks on during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between USA and Wales at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on November 21, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Juan Luis Diaz/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
The United States played a fantastic first half in their World Cup opener against Wales on Monday, dominating possession, creating fantastic chances and taking a 1-0 lead into the half.
That made the ultimate 1-1 draw at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium all the more disappointing.
Timothy Weah's 36th-minute finish was equaled by Gareth Bale's penalty conversion in the 82nd after a head-scratching foul from Walker Zimmerman in the box, as Wales matched the United State's dominance across the first 45 minutes with a cracking display of their own in the second half.
And it had USMNT supporters and football Twitter feeling as though the country perhaps let a golden chance slip through their fingers:
FT: #usmnt 1-1 Wales. This one will stick in the U.S.'s collective craw given how long they led. But give Wales credit for the halftime adjustments and the way they fought their way back into the game. Silly penalty to concede by Zimmerman.
Complete and utter disappointment in that one. #USMNT should have done far better against an opponent that offered nothing for virtually the entire match.
That game was the Gregg Berhalter era in 90 minutes unfortunately. Got the XI right but the subs were kind of a mess and didn’t really know how to counter when Wales switched up their plan.
Neither team did enough to win. Draw fair. Way USA faded a bit disappointing. One or two disappeared. Wales have to start Moore. The point is ok as Iran got thumped.
The USMNT makes its return to World Cup play for the first time in eight long years and holds on to a nip and tuck 1 - 1 draw with Wales. We saw glimpses of how great this team can be, and how much they still have to learn, in equal measure. Roll on Friday and England. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Takeaway from #USMNT game - - Don't see Christian Pulisic surviving a tournament where he is treated like that. Game plan for every opponent ahead. - Tim Ream went from not on roster, to one of our 5 most important players. - Get the antacids ready, this is gonna be a grind.
For every positive the United States exhibited in the first half, there was an equal negative in the second.
Christian Pulisic was lively and probing in the first half, setting up Weah's goal with a brilliant pass. The United States controlled possession with crisp passing and pinned Wales back close to their own box, controlling the midfield and attacking down the flanks.
But Pulisic struggled on the ball in the second half and looked banged up after a physical game. The United States aimlessly and unsuccessfully sent crosses into the box in the second frame, failing to really threaten Wales. Zimmerman's foul was inexplicable. The United States ramped down their intensity on the ball and struggled with Wales' more direct play in the second half.
"I think we lost a bit of power," manager Gregg Berhalter said of the second half. "In the same sense, Wales stepped up the pressure, and we had some good counter-attacking opportunities. But I thought the guys dealt with it well. We kept going until the end; it was a hard-fought game. We left everything out there."
Only Tyler Adams gave the USMNT a consistent top-tier 90 minutes, as is to be expected from the team's captain. Against England on Friday, however, the U.S. will need to string together two excellent halves to pull off the upset, or even steal a point, against the Group B favorites.
Friday's match is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET on Fox.
World Cup Results 2022: Monday's Scores and Updated Group Standings
Nov 21, 2022
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 21: Timothy Weah celebrates after scoring the United States first goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between USA and Wales at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on November 21, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
The United States men's national team started its 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign with a disappointing draw against Wales on Monday night.
The Americans went ahead through Tim Weah but then dropped a potential opening victory when Walker Zimmerman fouled Gareth Bale in the penalty area.
Bale's converted penalty makes the math to get out of Group B tougher for the USMNT, especially with England on the horizon on Friday.
England is in the clear in Group B after it blew past Iran with six goals in the first of three games on Monday.
The Three Lions are one of two European teams to be on top of their groups in Qatar. The Netherlands landed the top spot in Group A with their 2-0 win over Senegal.
Group B
1. England - 3 points (6 goals for, 2 goals against, +4 goal differential)
2. Wales - 1 point (1 GF, 1 GA, 0 GD)
3. United States - 1 point (1 GF, 1 GA, 0 GD)
4. Iran - 0 points (2 GF, 4 GA, -4 GD)
The USMNT has to feel that the 1-1 draw against Wales is two points dropped more than one point gained.
The Americans dictated the pace of play in the first half, and they were rewarded for their play with a Tim Weah goal in the 36th minute.
Wales changed the style of play in the second half with the entrance of Kieffer Moore. The European side finally got on the scoreboard through Gareth Bale in the 82nd minute.
Bale was taken down with his back to goal by Walker Zimmerman. He thundered his penalty past a diving Matt Turner to equalize the contest.
Both the USMNT and Wales have work to do to get into the knockout round, and their spots in the final 16 may come down to performance against Iran.
England kicked off Monday's three-game slate with a 6-2 thumping of Iran.
The Three Lions benefited from two Bukayo Saka goals and one each from Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham.
The goal-scoring outburst began in the 35th minute through Bellingham's header. The goal showcased how talented the 19-year-old is in the air. The Borussia Dortmund player was already one of the most sought-after players on the transfer market, and his value could grow even more in the coming weeks as the Three Lions chase a World Cup title.
ENGLAND TAKES THE LEAD
On the biggest stage Jude Bellingham scores his first goal for England 🔥🏴 pic.twitter.com/4TOWEHaMmQ
Iran did not have much of an answer to the Three Lions' well-rounded attack. The Asian side clawed back two goals in the second half through FC Porto striker Mehdi Taremi, but it was far from good enough.
Taremi's two goals may have salvaged Iran's goal differential for now, but that total could get worse with Wales and the United States still on the schedule.
Both of the next games in Group B take place on Friday. Wales plays Iran, and the USMNT take on England.
The 23-year-old entered the tournament with nine goals and 12 assists in the Eredivisie for PSV Eindhoven. He also produced three goals and three assists in a UEFA Europa League group that included Arsenal.
Gakpo started to deliver on his hype with the first Dutch goal of the tournament, which was set up by Frenkie De Jong.
Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy could have done better approaching the lofted ball, and he was at fault on the second Dutch goal that was scored by Davy Klaassen in the 94th minute.
The Dutch lead Group A over Ecuador, who beat Qatar 2-0 on Sunday, on fair play points. The two teams are tied on points, goals for, goals against and goal differential after 90 minutes. The tiebreakers will come into play more after the second matches in Group A.
The Netherlands and Ecuador will meet on Friday, while Qatar and Senegal will try to get their first points of the tournament against each other on Friday.
The United States men's national team returns to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in eight years on Monday. Gregg Berhalter's side opens its Group B...
World Cup Groups 2022: Odds, Group of Death and Most Exciting Matchups
Nov 20, 2022
PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 27: Neymar (Brazil 10) during the international friendly between Brazil and Tunisia at Parc des Princes on September 27, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
The FIFA men's World Cup starts Sunday, kicking off the first-ever iteration of the competition in the fall.
Qatar will host the tournament, which will feature 32 teams split into eight groups of four. Those quartets will undergo a round-robin schedule within their groups, and the top two teams in each will advance to the 16-team knockout round.
As is the case every year, there are "Groups of Death" in the tournament. Some quartets appear far more competitive than others on paper, either because the group is deep or because of numerous heavyweights getting drawn together.
This year, three groups stand out over the others. Here's a look at that trio as the World Cup nears.
Group B: England, Iran, United States, Wales
Group B is the only group that features four teams in the top 20 of the FIFA rankings. England is fifth, followed by the United States (16th), Wales (19th) and Iran (20th).
Per DraftKings Sportsbook, England is the overwhelming favorite to win the group at -280 ($280 bet to win $100), followed by Wales and the United States (+500 each; bet $100 to win $500) and Iran (+1600).
Led by Harry Kane, who scored 12 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches, England should (in theory) roll to the top of the group. That was the thought in 2010, when England was matched with Slovenia, the United States and Algeria.
However, England scratched and survived just to advance after a win and two draws, one of which was a 1-1 game against the U.S.
The two sides will face off yet again this year, with the game coming on Black Friday. For the U.S., it could be do-or-die if they lose their opener to Wales. For England, it could be win-and-in if the favorites handle business versus Iran. Regardless of the circumstances, that's the match to watch in Group B as a trio of teams look to knock off the world power that is the Three Lions.
Group E: Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Japan
Two of the six teams on the top of the DraftKings Sportsbook World Cup odds ledger reside in Group E. Spain is there at +850, while Germany sits at +1000.
Those two teams are the clear favorites to advance. Their matchup in the group stage is the one to watch here.
Don't sleep on Costa Rica and Japan, though.
Costa Rica caught fire near the end of its World Cup qualifying round thanks to four wins and a draw in its last five matches. They beat New Zealand in the World Cup playoff to advance.
Japan could be a dangerous side in this tournament thanks to the dynamic duo of Takumi Minamino and Yuya Osako, who scored 10 goals each during World Cup qualifying.
Both teams have tall tasks ahead of them against the European powers, but chaos has happened before in the group stage and could well happen again.
Group G: Brazil, Cameroon, Serbia, Switzerland
Brazil is the clear World Cup favorite. DraftKings Sportsbook lists them as +350 to win it all atop the 32-team list.
FIFA's No. 1 team features one of the game's top all-time players in Neymar, who features on a talented roster including English Premier League attackers Richarlison, Antony, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.
It won't be a cakewalk for to the top of the group for Brazil (-300 odds to win the group), however. Switzerland (+550), Serbia (+650) and Cameroon (+1200) are all quite capable of advancing to the knockout round.
Switzerland only allowed two goals over eight qualifying matches en route to finishing 5-3-0 for 18 points to top Group C. Serbia also won its group, besting Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal by three points. The matchup between these two could determine one of the two knockout spots in this group.
Cameroon is the underdog of this group, but that was also the case in 1990 when the Indomitable Lions made a sensational run to the quarterfinals of the World Cup. They haven't been able to get out of the group stage since, but they sport a deep roster capable of advancing to the knockout round.
For all the latest betting information and reaction, check out B/R Betting.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL).
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or call or text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789 (TN).
21+. NJ/PA/WV/IN/IA/CO/IL/TN only. In partnership with Meadows Racetrack & Casino. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.
USMNT's Weston McKennie, Sergiño Dest Cleared from Injuries for World Cup Opener
Nov 19, 2022
Sergiño Dest and Weston McKennie
Two key members of the United States
men's national team, midfielder Weston McKennie and right back
Sergiño Dest, declared themselves available for selection ahead of
Monday's 2022 FIFA World Cup opener against Wales.
ESPN's Jeff Carlisle reported Saturday
that McKennie overcame a quad injury and Dest worked through
muscle fatigue to reach full fitness for the USMNT in Qatar.
"Juventus and the national team,
they were both working together to make sure that I'm 100 percent fit
here," McKennie said. "So I came in, did a couple days of just
maintaining and keep it under control. We played the friendly the
other day, and I felt good. I felt ready to go, and that's where I'm
at."
Dest added: "I'm feeling good. Of
course, after the last game [for AC Milan], I had a little bit of
fatigue. Right now, it's going well. I'm ready to play."
Both players figure to play prominent
roles for the Americans during the group stage, though head coach
Gregg Berhalter has more flexibility in the midfield should they want
to remain cautious with McKennie.
The U.S. has four strong options to
fill the three midfield slots in what will likely be a 4-3-3
formation: McKennie, Tyler Adams, Yunus Musah and Brenden Aaronson.
Gio Reyna could also factor into the discussion despite being listed as a forward.
If Dest is unavailable at any point,
the USMNT would likely have to lean on either Shaq Moore or Joe Scally to
fill the void on the right side of the defense.
As it stands, here's how the starting
XI could look against Wales:
GK: Matt Turner
LB: Antonee Robinson
CB: Tim Ream
CB: Walker Zimmerman
RB: Sergiño Dest
DM: Tyler Adams
CM: Weston McKennie
CM: Yunus Musah
LW: Christian Pulisic
ST: Josh Sargent
RW: Timothy Weah
Berhalter could also opt to play
Pulisic or Reyna as a false nine, which would leave the side without
a true striker in the lineup but also put the 11 most talented
players on the field from the start.
The other key question is who will
start alongside Zimmerman in central defense. Aaron Long received a
lot of criticism for his lackluster play during the qualifying
campaign and September friendlies, which should open the door for
Ream.
It's a crucial opener for the United
States, which could significantly boost its odds of reaching the
knockout stages with a win over Wales as part of a competitive
Group B headlined by England and also featuring defensively strong
Iran.
"We know that it's going to be a
hard game," McKennie said. "But we definitely want to win the
first game, to come out with three points. [It's been] just three,
four years of just working up to this moment, I think all the guys
are ready to go, and the staff is ready to go and put a game plan
together. So hopefully we execute that."
On the flip side, a loss on Monday
would leave a narrow path out of the pool with a highly anticipated showdown
against the Three Lions looming on Friday.
After missing the 2018 tournament, an
early exit in Qatar would be a massive setback for an American
program trying to establish a golden era in men's soccer ahead of co-hosting the next World Cup in 2026.
The United States men's national team is back in the FIFA World Cup for the first time in eight years. The Americans return to the highest international stage...
