On Friday night, England and the USA go head-to-head in Group B of the World Cup as the Three Lions look to record a second tournament win.
England form guideGareth Southgate’s team recorded a 6-2 win over Iran in their opening World Cup match of the competition. The victory means that another victory in this clash is likely to be enough to seal their progress to the knockout stages of the competition.
The Three Lions needed the opening game victory, as they had failed to win any of their previous six international games. England had also failed to score in four of those six winless outings. Nine goals in their last two games suggest that they have returned to form in front of goal.
England have been difficult to beat at recent World Cups, as they have suffered just one defeat in their last five matches in the competition.
USA form guideThe USA opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Wales. Greg Berhalter’s team had the better of the first half, but Wales produced a stronger second-half display and found a late equaliser.
The draw against the Dragons means that the USA has now failed to win in their last four international matches. Their recent games have also been low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in five of their previous six outings.
The USA’s recent record in the World Cup has not been great, as they have failed to win in their last four games in the competition.
Latest team newsThe big team news for England is a potential ankle issue for captain Harry Kane. The Tottenham forward is a major doubt for this game. Callum Wilson and Marcus Rashford are the two most likely replacements for Kane. Defenders Kyle Walker and Harry Maguire are also fitness doubts.
The USA have big fitness doubts over Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah, who both went off injured against Wales. Brendan Aaronson is a likely replacement for either of the doubtful players.
What am I backing?England looked highly dangerous against Iran and should cause the USA major defensive problems with or without Harry Kane. I am backing England to have too much quality for their opponents and record a second tournament win.