Both sides remain in the hunt for qualification after a goalless draw
England’s World Cup winless streak against the United States now stands at three games after a goalless draw at Al Bayt Stadium.
Gareth Southgate’s side knew a win would secure their place in the knockout stages, but they were disappointing, with the USA being the better side throughout.
Christian Pulisic came closest to determining the game when he hit the crossbar in the first half, but England only challenged Matt Turner once.
Neither team could produce much of a threat in the second period, forcing both to settle for a point and have work to do in their final games on Tuesday.
Early chances were sparse, with Harry Kane’s attempt deflected wide following good build-up play from the Three Lions, and Weston McKennie blazing over the bar after finding space in the England box.
As the game went, the USA took the lead, with Pulisic coming closest to breaking the deadlock with a ferocious effort from outside the box that rattled against the crossbar.
England closed the half with their greatest chance, Mason Mount pushing Turner into a diving save.
The USA remained the superior team in the second half, but they were unable to produce enough chances to properly test Jordan Pickford, while England was equally ineffective in attack.
The outcome leaves Group D in a dangerous state heading into the last round of games, with England’s performance a far cry from their prolific performance against Iran.
What does it imply? Everything is up for grabs.
England would have advanced to the knockout rounds with a game to spare for the second World Cup in a row, having previously won their first two games in Russia to begin their drive to the semi-finals.
It would have put the United States under severe pressure heading into their last game, but the door remains open in Group B, with Wales presumably breathing a sigh of relief after the result.
England would qualify with a point against Wales, whilst the United States knows they must defeat Iran.
Kane remained silent.
Kane arrived in Qatar hoping to become England’s all-time record goalscorer and the first player to retain the Golden Boot after winning the Golden Boot with a six-goal haul in Russia 2018.
Despite this, the Three Lions captain has had a difficult campaign so far, with zero shots on target against Iran and two off target against the United States.
The United States breaks two records.
After keeping England at bay, the United States has held a clean sheet against a European side at the World Cup for the first time since a 1-0 victory over England in 1950, when they conceded 32 goals in 18 matches.
The result is also the first goalless draw for the United States in a World Cup, after 34 matches without one, while England has the most goalless draws (12) at the event.
What comes next?
England finishes their group stage against Wales on Tuesday, while the United States must defeat Iran the same night.
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