Things could hardly have gone better for the Three Lions as they got off to a flying start in their World Cup campaign, claiming an empathetic 6-2 victory against Iran. The victory marked one of England’s biggest victory in the world cup and further cemented their stand as one of the tournament’s favourites. Victory against USA will almost guarantee a top spot finish in the group but Southgate’s men will be aware this would not be an easy task.
The USA performed admirably in the opening period of their match against Wales and deservedly led 1-0 at the break, only to be denied all three points by a late Gareth Bale penalty. With qualification to the next round at stake, pressure on them to produce a result in this game if they are to stand any chance of advancing to the knockout stages.
In their last two World Cups, USA have advanced from the group stage, so if they can repeat their first-half performance against Wales, England will face a sterner test than Iran posed.
The victory over Iran on Monday showed that England does not necessarily need to rely on Harry Kane to score goals and that they might not need to be concerned about any potential injuries to Callum Wilson, who did not participate in open training on Tuesday. In addition to his four goals in 14 appearances for Arsenal in the Premier League leading up to this tournament, Bukayo Saka was the star for England on Monday and his two goals so far means England have more than enough firepower to bank on.
The Three Lions will be hoping they can secure a ninth victory in what is their 12th meeting with the Americans. USA haven’t lost in either of their last two previous competitive games against England, springing a shock 1-0 victory at the 1950 World Cup and a 1-1 draw in South Africa in 2010. However, England are overwhelming favourites to win this match and Betfair is offering a tasty 11/20 for them to emerge with all three points.