PULISIC VOWS TO YANK ENGLAND’S CHAIN

CHRISTIAN PULISIC has warned England – underestimate World Cup opponents the USA at your peril.

Gareth Southgate’s side take on Gregg Berhalter’s team in their second Group B game in Doha’s Al Bayt Stadium on November 25.

England are favourites to top the group, which also includes Wales and Iran, but Chelsea winger Pulisic (left) said Southgate and his players would be foolish to discount the threat posed by the US. After qualifying for seven consecutive finals, they missed out on Russia four years ago, but are back in Qatar and determined to make their mark.

“We know if we look at the odds it will be the normal names who are the favourites to win in Qatar,” Pulisic said.

“Brazil, Argentina, Germany, France, England and one or two more. We know we won’t be considered in that group.

“But we don’t look at the odds, and we’re not at the World Cup just to make up the numbers. We go, we give it everything in every game we play, we make America proud. Wherever that takes us, we have to wait and see.”

Pulisic knows there will be a huge focus on England’s game against the States next week, one which could prove pivotal in determining the outcome of the group. A certain starter, Pulisic could face Chelsea team-mates Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher.

The 24-year-old star said the familiarity with England’s players will add an extra edge to the encounter.

“I understand why there will be lots of talk and excitement around the England game,” Pulisic said.

“They have some of the best players in the world, players that I know well.

“There are three games in the group, and one is no more important than the other two. In all three games, we will fight for the points.”

After missing out on the 2018 tournament, the USA got back on track by reaching the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2019 and 2021, winning the second time around.

With a number of matchwinners in their squad, including Pulisic, Giovanni Reyna (below, left) Sergino Dest and Timothy Weah, the US have expectations of making it into the knockout stage.

“It was disappointing not to qualify for Russia, but I’ve never been a person to look back,” Pulisic said. “I don’t feel like we have any making-up to do – this is a new challenge.

“What was important is that we learned from what happened and are stronger, and I truly feel that we have and we are.”