World Cup 2022 England vs USA Tips & Predictions

World Cup Group B continues with an intriguing looking game between England and the USA at the Al Bayt Stadium. England opened their campaign against Iran, and it would not be unfair to say that this should be a sterner test for Gareth Southgate’s men after romping home 6-2 in that one. The USA played out a 1-1 draw with Wales in their opener, so both teams go into this one with points on the board.

These two teams are set to meet for a third time at World Cups. The first game is one of the most notorious in English football history, with the Americans running out 1-0 winners and sending the English packing from the tournament back in 1950. 12 years ago these two sides played out a 1-1 draw in South Africa in what was another disappointing result for the English.Despite poor form leading up to this tournament, England looked incredibly sharp against Iran, and that should see their World Cup betting odds 

Despite poor form leading up to this tournament, England looked incredibly sharp against Iran, and that should see their World Cup betting odds strengthen after slipping before the tournament. Bookmakers such as Bwin still have England as third favourites for the trophy, and they should have too much for team USA here. We agree with 22bet in thinking England should win here, although it will be a narrow victory.

• This will be the third time these two teams have met at a World Cup, and England have yet to win. The USA won 1-0 in a huge shock back in 1950, while the two teams played out a 1-1 in the groups stages in 2010.
• This will be the USA’s first World Cup appearance in eight years after being regular attendees before that. Indeed, the USA  qualified for the previous seven tournaments, reaching the quarter-finals in 2002. The USA did reach the semi-finals in the first ever tournament in 1930.
• England will hope to go one better than four years ago when the team, under current coach Gareth Southgate, reached the semi-finals. That was the nation’s best performance at World Cups since 1990.
• These two teams came into the tournament in poor form. England have failed to win any of their last 6 games – their worst run in 30 years. The USA, meanwhile, have won only one of their last 6, with that victory coming against Morocco.

England and the USA meet on matchday 2 in a game that will do much to shape Group B. These two teams have met before at World Cups, most recently playing out a 1-1 draw back in 2010. Yet it’s fair to assume that goals could be in short display here despite both teams scoring in their opener. A solid defensive display will be at the forefront of both respective coach’s minds going into this one.

UNDER 2.5 GOALS TO BE SCORED IN THE MATCH

Previous encounters have been tight, and with so much at stake here, we expect a single goal to separate these two sides. Therefore, it’s unlikely both teams will score, as they did when they last met in a World Cup in 2010.

BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE - NO

Goals will be a premium in what will be a tight game, although England should have the pedigree to shade it. The English will be leaning heavily on captain and main man Harry Kane to get them over the line as the Tottenham hitman guns for a second successive World Cup Golden Boot. Expect Kane, or one of England’s other main men, to make the difference, and England to win.

ENGLAND TO WIN

England

Semi-finalists last time round, and beaten finalists in the European Championships just last year, this could be England’s best chance to win a tournament they haven’t conquered since 1966. And Gareth Southgate’s men got off to a flying start with their 6-2 thrashing of Iran. England looked sharp in that game, and it bodes well for an English charge at this tournament.  

Key Player/s: It’s hard to look past captain and top goalscorer Harry Kane in terms of the team’s most important player. Kane won the Golden Boot at the last World Cup and will be hoping to repeat the trick, despite failing to score in the win over Iran Keep an eye on Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham as a break-out star – the 19 year old had a stunning game against Iran.

Team news: Harry Maguire is struggling after appearing to be concussed after a collision in the opening game. Eric Dier will take the Manchester United’s man place should he fail to recover in time. 

Predicted Lineup: Pickford, Trippier, Stones, Dier, Shaw, Rice, Bellingham, Mount, Sterling, Saka, Kane

USA

The USA will be hoping to make up for the disappointment of missing out four years ago by putting in a strong showing this time round, and have the players to do it. The States’ best-ever finish is reaching the quarter-finals, and they could do the same here. , but will probably need something against the English. The Three Lions will provide the USA’s sternest opponents, and the Americans will rely heavily on their England-based stars to step up here.  

Key Player/s: The USA boasts plenty of top talent featuring in Europe. Chelsea playmaker Christian Pulisic, Dortmund’s Giovanni Reyna and Juventus’ Weston McKennie, as well as Leeds pair Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams are the jewels in what is a strong squad. 

Team news: Weston McKennie appeared to take a knock in the opening draw against Wales. Brendon Aaronson will get the nod if McKennie fails to pass a late fitness test.

Predicted Lineup: Turner, Dest, Zimmerman, Ream, A. Robinson, McKennie, Adams, Musah, Pulisic, Weah, Sargent

England were impressive in their opener and will be heavy favourites going into this game. The USA looked good in the first half against Wales but failed to see the game out. With points on the board, a loss here will not prove fatal for either team’s campaign, but a cagey affair will ensue. England to snatch it.

Bet on England to win