One of the standout fixtures on matchday two is between England and the USA, and the outcome of this match will provide us with a clue as to how the 1966 winners might perform this year.
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World Cup 2022 is officially here, with the games coming thick and fast from Qatar. As we make our way through the opening round of group games, followers have been treated to more than a few memorable moments. England thrashed Iran, Saudi Arabia beat Argentina for the shock of the competition, and holders France impressed against Australia. There looks more to come from Les Bleus.
Brazil remains the World Cup betting favorite, and they have been at the head of the market since major bookmakers released their odds. The Samba Boys are the most successful team at this level, having won more World Cups than any other nation, although Germany is breathing down their neck. Which team will win the trophy in a final played a week before Christmas? You can have your say now or wait until the next round of results to get a better idea of the teams to follow.
One of the standout fixtures on matchday two is between England and the USA, and the outcome of this match will provide us with a clue as to how the 1966 winners might perform this year. They caught the eye in their opening match when blowing Iran out of the water, but this match against the USA represents a different challenge. The Americans have a squad that’s stronger in defense and capable of taking any scoring chances that fall their way in the match.
England was handed what appeared to be an easy opening match against Iran, and the job was made simpler when the Iranian first-choice goalkeeper had to come off injured after just a few minutes. He suffered an early concussion and, after much deliberation, was subbed. His replacement wasn’t up to the task, making several stunning howlers that gifted England goals at viral periods of the match.
Bukayo Saka was the star of Monday’s show, scoring a double and playing a huge part in ensuring his team got off to a winning start. The other scorers for England in that 6-2 win over Iran were Bellingham, Sterling, Rashford, and Grealish. It was a surprise to see Harry Kane not on the scoresheet, but that proves the depth of England’s attack. The Spurs striker will be eager to get off the mark as soon as possible.
He’ll get a chance on matchday two when England plays the USA, and Kane is expected to be handed another start. If the Three Lions do as bookies expect and win this match, they will book their place in the next round with a game to spare. That will allow manager Gareth Southgate to rotate his team, freshen things up and give certain players a rest against Wales. Fail to win against the USA and the game against the Welsh on Tuesday becomes a must-win for England.
The USA was delighted when added to Group B as they knew it would give them a decent chance at qualifying for the knockout rounds. England was the favorite to run away with the pool, but their form on the approach to Qatar was poor. Wales made it here by beating Ukraine in the playoffs and isn’t expected to go too far. Then we have Iran, who should head home after three games and three defeats.
The USA made their debut at World Cup 2022 with a hard-fought but deserved draw against the Welsh. The States took the lead in that match, with Tim Weah scoring the game’s first goal in 36 minutes and took that lead into the interval. Wales emerged for the second half like a new team and quickly set about getting level. They achieved that with a goal from Gareth Bale, who held his nerve to score from the penalty spot in the dying minutes of the play.
Team USA enters confidently, but the stats do little to drum up support for a win. America hasn’t beaten England in almost 30 years and has scored just two goals in their last five games against the Brits. England has enjoyed a great run of form in this fixture, scoring plenty of goals and, most importantly, standing strong in the defense.
