USMNT Plays Out Hard-Fought Draw Against England

Alvin Jones, Staff Writer

England Defender John Stones (left) battles with Christian Pulisic (right). Photo//Clive Mason/Getty Images

In 2010, the United States snatched a point from England in one of the most famous results in U.S. soccer history. A 4th minute Steven Gerrard goal was canceled out by a goal from Clint Dempsey, America’s joint-all time goals leader. In the 39th minute, England keeper Rob Green let a long-range shot from Dempsey slip through his fingers and across the line. America qualified from that group, with that point being crucial.

12 years later, the United States was once again facing England, and once again needing a result to boost their chances of getting out of the group stages.

A win for England would mean qualification for the knockout rounds. They dispatched Iran by four goals on Tuesday, five players netted in the 6-2 win.

The USA could neither qualify nor be eliminated regardless of the result. Iran nabbed a shock 2-0 win over 10-man Wales thanks to two stoppage time goals.

A win for America would mean that a draw against Iran would be enough to qualify, but any other result would need a win on Tuesday for the U.S. to go through.

The game started out with England dominating the proceedings. USA defender Walker Zimmerman made a crucial 9th minute block. A driving Jude Bellingham placed Bukayo Saka through. Saka sent a cut back to Kane, and Kane’s shot was deflected behind for a corner.

The USA began to grow into the game after that. USA looked comfortable in possession and pushed the ball quickly up the pitch.

In the 25th minute, a well-worked series of passes found Tim Weah on the right wing. Weah placed a perfect cross to Weston McKennie, who put the ball over the bar.

At 32 minutes, Christian Pulisic placed a shot off the bar much to the dismay of the USMNT supporters in the stadium.

The final great chance of the half fell to England midfielder Mason Mount, who took a low long shot from outside of the box which was parried away by U.S. keeper Matt Turner. The two sides went into the half with good chances, but no goals.

In the second half, the U.S. looked the better of the two sides. The Americans had a string of corners around the hour mark but were unable to turn any away. England struggled to gain possession and failed to create any quality chances until the very end. In stoppage time, Harry Kane put a free header wide of the goal. The game finished 0-0.

For England, a frustrating result as they look to contend for the World Cup. For America, a hard-fought point with signs of promise.

Tyler Adams looked comfortable in midfield, helping stifle England’s attacks. The defensive duo of Tim Ream and Zimmerman was always alert to danger and helped keep a clean sheet. Turner especially handled danger with poise. Weah and Pulisic looked lovely in attack. Arronson and Renya looked ambitious off of the bench.

Still, the Americans lacked the clinical finishing needed to win games. If they are to beat Iran on Tuesday and move on, they will need a goalscorer to step up and make history.