England vs USA – World Cup Group B: How they’re doing, injuries and predictions as Three Lions seek another big win

ENGLAND put on a thrilling show at the World Cup opener against Iran.

But Gareth Southgate has firmly shifted his focus to game two – the USA.

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A win will put the Three Lions into the last 16…even a draw could be enough thanks to their goal difference.

But the Americans will no doubt prove a tougher test than Iran.

And after the draw against Wales, USA will be desperate to bounce back and keep their dream of reaching the knockout stages alive.

SunSport takes a look at what to expect from the big game… including score prediction.

How are you?

England: The Three Lions came off the blocks in Qatar after a difficult year so far.

England raced to a 6-2 win over Iran and unfortunately even had a second goal from a controversial penalty.

Goals were plentiful all over the pitch, with some outstanding players in play, most notably Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham.

Read full report England vs. Iran…

United States of America: Dominated the first half of the game against Wales and led 1-0 at half-time.

But they didn’t bring the same intensity in the second period, allowing Gareth Bale – largely anonymous throughout the game – to score a late penalty to equalize.

Read the full USA vs Wales report…

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Any injuries to worry about?

England: James Maddison has already been ruled out of the game as he continues to recover from his pre-tournament knee injury.

Kyle Walker is back in training to bid for a spot against the Americans.

Harry Kane is hoping to lead the line after a scan confirmed his ankle was not seriously injured after being hit in the win against Iran.

Harry Maguire is expected to be ready for England’s second game after being substituted off due to illness against Iran after attending subsequent training sessions.

United States of America: Gregg Berhalter has no injury worries for the game against England.

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Who will the star men be?

England: It would be very easy to say Harry Kane but Jude Bellingham could be Southgate’s No. 1 player this summer.

The Three Lions have lacked a player like Bellingham, someone who connects and attacks midfield, in recent years.

Rice and Phillips have always produced admirable performances together for England but lacked some offensive threat.

Bellingham can be the perfect player to unlock stubborn defenses alongside Rice and Mount.

He wasted no time and showed the world what he can do with a brilliant performance against Iran.

United States of America: It’s hard to look past Christian Pulisic.

The Chelsea star knows a lot about this English team thanks to his time in the Premier League and can be unstoppable on his day.

However, Southgate also has to watch out for roving right-back Sergino Dest – on loan from Barcelona to AC Milan – and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.

What is the head to head?

The Three Lions took on America 11 TIMES in history, eight victories and only two defeats – in 1950 and 1993.

England most recently won a friendly 3-0 in 2018 thanks to goals from Jesse Lingard, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Callum Wilson.

In their last World Cup duel, England famously slipped to a 1-1 draw in their opening game in 2010 after a roar from Rob Green.

opportunities

England 4/7

Tie 10/3

US 26/5

SunSport Prediction

England 3 USA 1