England 0 USA 0
England's chances of winning this World Cup right now look as far away as this supposed protest against Qatar's laws and attitude to LGBTQ+. Such present concerns also had historical echoes. England still haven't beaten USA in a World Cup match. Much more relevantly, they for long periods looked an inferior team in this dismal 0-0 draw. They had fewer chances and much less impetus and energy.
It means that, far from going and lifting this trophy, England must currently be much more concerned with going out. That is the position Gareth Southgate's side have now put themselves in.
And while it would take an awful lot for a faltering Wales to turn this group around in the final game and eliminate England, we are talking about a team that went from rampantly putting six past Iran to one barely able to muster a shot on target at the Al Bayt Stadium.
It was reverse alchemy, turning the fine of Monday into watercarrying. The USA can be much more optimistic and played with the requisite enthusiasm.
This story is from the November 26, 2022 edition of The Independent.
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This story is from the November 26, 2022 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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