AL KHOR, Qatar- England suffered a sobering reality check as they were outplayed for long periods by a youthful United States side in a tense 0-0 draw in their second World Cup Group B game on Friday.
A 6-2 thrashing of Iran on Monday sent fans’ hopes soaring but Gareth Southgate’s side were fortunate not to suffer a repeat of their 1950 World Cup calamity against the Americans.
They will still qualify for the last 16 if they avoid a heavy defeat by Wales in their final group game, but they were greeted with boos at the final whistle and will need a vast improvement if they are to have a deep run.
The US produced a high-tempo display but may live to rue not putting away an England side stuck in second gear, although they will reach the last 16 for fifth time since 1994 if they beat Iran.
While the result, and performance, was desperately disappointing, England top the group on four points and remain in the box seat to reach the last 16.
