England’s Mason Mount (C) battles for the ball with USA’s Tyler Adams (R) and Yunus Musah during the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Group B football match between England and USA at Al Bayt Stadium. Mike Egerton/PA Wire/dpaA lackluster England were held to a 0-0 draw by the United States in their World Cup Group B fixture.
The Three Lions, famously beaten by the United States at the 1950 World Cup, could have been the first team to reach the Qatar round of 16 with a win, but instead will be happy to walk away with a draw given the chances.
England were unchanged from 6-2 against Iran in their first game, Harry Kane fit after a foot problem, but were unusually ponderous from the start against the Americans.
The USA were bolder than the 1-1 draw against Wales and had better chances in the first half. Haji Wright, the only new name in the starting lineup, headed wide before Weston McKennie shot high and Christian Pulisic hit the bar.
Kane blocked an early attempt and Mason Mount saved England’s best chance in the first half. The Three Lions had more possession after the break but created very little as Qatar have already seen their fifth 0-0 draw, with their record for the whole tournament not far off at seven.
Iran revived their last 16 hopes with a 2-0 victory over tired Wales. Qualification from the group now goes to the final round of matches on Tuesday, when England take on Wales in a battle against Great Britain and the United States take on Iran in a game with political implications.
USA’s Haji Wright (L) and England’s Declan Rice battle for the ball during the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Group B football match between England and USA at Al Bayt Stadium. Robert Michael/dpa
England’s Harry Kane (L) and USA’s Yunus Musah battle for the ball during the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Group B football match between England and USA at Al Bayt Stadium. Robert Michael/dpa
