England face the USA in the second Group B game at the 2022 World Cup at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, as Gareth Southgate’s men look for another victory to try and seal their place in the knockout rounds.
The Three Lions couldn’t have asked for a better start to their World Cup campaign than beating Iran 6-2 on Monday—their biggest-ever win in the first match of a major tournament. The result has seen them take firm control of Group B.
However, Gareth Southgate’s team are expected to get a much trickier opposition in the USA, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Wales in their opening fixture.
England Team News
England have been boosted by the news that skipper Harry Kane has not suffered a serious ankle injury following a scan on Wednesday and will be available for selection against the USA. Harry Maguire was forced off with illness in the second half against Iran but has since recovered.
In another boost, Kyle Walker appears to be fit to feature against the United States and has trained with his teammates after recovering from groin surgery, but James Maddison is yet to return to training due to a knee problem and looks set to miss out again.
Predicted England Lineup vs USA (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Jordan Pickford would have been displeased after conceding two goals against Iran at the start of the week. As a result, he will be raring to keep a clean sheet against the United States.
Defence
Gareth Southgate is expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kieran Trippier, John Stones, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw forming England’s backline. Maguire, who is fit to start on Friday, will resume his defensive partnership with Stones as they try to keep things tight at the back during the 90 minutes.
Trippier and Shaw were excellent offensively against Iran but they will need to strike a good balance between attack and defence against the United States. The duo will occupy England’s full-back positions.
Midfield
Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice will anchor the midfield for Gareth Southgate’s side as they try to establish their control over the opposition at the centre of the park. With Rice screening the defence, Bellingham will get joy to venture forward and create opportunities for his teammates in the final third.
Mason Mount should retain the No.10 role ahead of Mount and Rice, and he would have to carry most of the creative workload for the Three Lions against Gregg Berhalter’s side.
Kalvin Phillips, Jordan Henderson and Phil Foden will have to be content with a place on the bench as they offer cover for midfield positions.
Attack
With Harry Kane declared fit, the England skipper is a certainty to lead the attack against the USA. He will be keen to get himself on the scoresheet after failing to score against Iran.
Kane will be joined by Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling up front, with the duo trying to cause all kinds of problems to the USA backline with their pace, movement and creativity. The likes of Marcus Rashford, Callum Wilson and Jack Grealish could be introduced in the second half if Southgate wants fresh legs in attack.