US dominant in draw with England at World Cup

The United States was dominant in attack but could not find a way past England as it was held to a 0-0 draw in their second 2022 World Cup game on Friday.

The U.S. was the better side in a game lacking in clear cut chances. The closest threat came when Christian Pulisic rattled the crossbar with a ferocious effort midway through the first half, but neither side was able to break the deadlock.

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The result leaves head coach Gregg Berhalter’s team third in Group B with two points from two games, needing a victory in their final group match against Iran on Tuesday to advance to the knockout stages. Meanwhile, England will qualify as long as it avoids a three-goal defeat in their match to Wales.

England striker Harry Kane had been a doubt for the clash after picking up an ankle injury in the convincing win over Iran on Monday, but he was declared fit days ahead of kick-off meaning head coach Gareth Southgate named an unchanged side, while Berhalter made just one alteration from their opening draw with Wales — bringing in attacker Haji Wright in place of Josh Sargent.

Kane again did not wear the ‘OneLove’ captain’s armband after FIFA threatened against doing so, but the English Football Association instead lit up Wembley Stadium’s famous arch in rainbow colors.

The U.S enjoyed the better chances in an uneventful first half. Kane looked dangerous early on, arriving at the six-yard box at the right time to shoot and force a block from opposing defender Walker Zimmerman in the first attacking opportunity of the match.

But Berhalter’s side sprung into action soon after and provided a couple of inviting chances. First, midfielder Weston McKennie skied a first-time effort from just inside the 18-yard box, followed minutes later by Pulisic facing up England defender Luke Shaw before hitting a powerful strike, only to be denied by the bar.

The U.S. looked the most likely to break the deadlock, winning a number of corners amid regular attacking pressure, while England’s attack remained frustrated by the well-organized and resolute American defense.

Southgate brought on Jack Grealish for Jude Bellingham on 68 minutes to add a spark in England’s attack, but changed little as the U.S. continued to shutout their English counterparts, playing to its first 0-0 draw in 11 World Cup finals appearances.