HEROES TO SLEEPY ZEROES
Southgate’s men Yanked back to earth
GARETH SOUTHGATE wanted to make history by masterminding England’s first World Cup win over USA.
The Three Lions boss even unleashed his attacking stars again against the Yanks.
But instead of thrilling the nation they sent them to sleep with a snoozefest.
If any insomniacs are struggling for a bit of kip then they should stick a repeat of this game on.
There were even boos at the end for Southgate’s side. What a difference four days can make.
Where was the attacking flair and prowess shown against Iran which had England fans dreaming of making this a World Cup not to forget?
This was well below the best perof England at a major tournament under Southgate – like the recent Nations League campaign when they failed to win a game.
It shouldn’t be disastrous for their hopes of progressing out of Group B. They would need to be thrashed by Wales on Tuesday to be on the plane home next week.
On the evidence of their neighbours’ displays in this World Cup so far, then there is more chance of England fans securing a cheap pint in Doha than the Three Lions being heavily beaten by Rob Page’s side. But it makes the game a live one when Southgate would have loved to have some key players with their feet up on the bench.
This display won’t put any fear into Brazil, Spain or anyone else who has dreams of glory.
England just didn’t have the same zip as they did against Iran. They weren’t given as much of the ball for a start. They had to work for everything and they didn’t quite like that.
USA were up for this. When Wales were well beaten by Iran earlier in the day, it added fuel to the talk that this would be a cakewalk for England.
The Three Lions had thrashed Iran and Wales had held USA to a draw in the Group B openers.
There’s an overused cliche in boxformances
ing that styles make fights. This was true of this match.
They were not two well matched sides on paper when you compared the talent on Southgate’s teamsheet.
But USA would prove awkward opponents who constantly looked to find gaps in England’s defence and drive forward.
Harry Maguire and John Stones had barely been tested on Monday but they had their work cut out for them here.
At one point in the second-half, England were on the ropes. USA had impressed in the opening 45 minutes. Weston McKennie – with his hair dyed in the red, white and blue of the American flag – fired a great chance off target.
Then Christian Pulisic hit the bar and went close with a header.
England were restricted to two chances at either end of the half, with Harry Kane’s effort deflected wide and Mason Mount firing a shot that was well saved by Matt Turner.
But it was in the second-half when for a period of almost 10 minutes, the Three Lions were caged in their own half. It wasn’t supposed to be like that. After almost 70 minutes, Kane had just one touch in the USA area. He wasn’t able to get deep and get on the ball enough either.
Southgate turned to Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford again but why Phil Foden wasn’t called upon was perplexing.
But England still spent most of the second-half lumping balls clear.
When a chance finally fell to Kane, again from a Luke Shaw free-kick, he headed off target. It summed up England’s night perfectly.