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England vs United States – World Cup: Team news, possible lineups & prediction.
Following a convincing victory in their initial 2022 World Cup match, England will try to increase their chances of taking first place in Group B when they face the USA on Friday night at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.
The Three Lions enter this match in excellent spirits after crushing Iran 6-2, taking first place in Group B and needing just one more win to guarantee their place in the tournament’s knockout rounds.
As for the USA, they conceded a lead to draw 1-1 with Wales in their opening match, and given that Iran was their first opponent earlier in the day, they might find themselves in need of a significant victory today to stay in the game.
Following a scan on Wednesday, it was revealed that England’s captain Harry Kane had not sustained a significant ankle injury; the 29-year-old has since trained with the first-team group and is anticipated to keep his starting position up front.
Harry Maguire, who has recovered from sickness, is expected to hold his spot in the back four alongside Kieran Trippier, John Stones, and Luke Shaw. Southgate may choose to start with the same squad that played against Iran.
After recovering from groin surgery, Kyle Walker appears to be well enough to play against the USA. However, the Manchester City defender is not expected to start and is more likely to come off the bench in order to improve his match fitness.
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Due to a knee injury, James Maddison has yet to train with the Three Lions and is still questionable for Friday’s match. Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Mason Mount are all expected to start in center midfield instead of Maddison.
Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah, two midfielders for the USA, were forced off the field during the draw with Wales due to respective groin and toe injuries, but they should be OK to keep their spots in the starting lineup alongside skipper Tyler Adams.
Adams is one of eight club-level British players in Berhalter’s team, and the Leeds United player is expected to start in front of a back four that includes Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson of Fulham. Matt Turner, the goalkeeper for Arsenal, is expected to remain in the starting lineup.
Timothy Weah, Joshua Sargent, and Christian Pulisic of Chelsea are anticipated to remain in the front three, but Giovanni Reyna of Borussia Dortmund will be looking to break through after last time out’s ineffective substitution.
Brendan Aaronson of Leeds and Cameron Carter-Vickers of Celtic were both listed as reserves against Wales, with the former player entering the game in the second half. On Friday, both players are expected to start as replacements once more.
England possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham, Foden; Saka, Kane, Foden.
USA possible starting lineup:
Turner; Dest, Zimmerman, Ream, A. Robinson; McKennie, Adams, Musah; Weah, Sargent, Pulisic
With good reason, England will be the favorite going into this match. They easily defeated Iran, although the USA early success against Wales was fleeting and ultimately cost them two points.
Two of Berhalter’s preferred midfielders suffered injuries in his first game, which won’t help his case as he is already under fire and won’t be looking forward to facing this England team.
This England team, which was twice caught off guard against Iran, may always be exploited, but the Three Lions will bet on their ability to outscore their opponents.
Prediction: England 2- 2United States
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