In the event that England wins this match, they will qualify for the knockout phase, but the Americans might struggle if they lose.
The Stars and Stripes of USA will be seeking their first win having dropped points in the dying embers of their opening match against Wales.
It was the Americans who first struck in the first half when Wales showed less ambition, however, Gregg Berhalter’s men couldn’t hold on to the lead as Gareth Bale won and converted a penalty for the Dragons.
To have any reasonable chance of going beyond the group phase of the tournament, USA will need at least to replicate their first-half dominance against Wales in this crucial match.
But the pressure is overwhelmingly on USA coach Gregg Berhalter’s players. A loss on Friday will leave them needing to win their last game – against Iran – to stand any chance of progressing past the group stage.
McKennie and Musah should be fine to start the game despite being subbed off following knocks in the Wales match. The three England based attackers, Pulisic, and Joshua Sargeant are likely to lead the attack with Timothy Weah for the Stars and Stripes
England would however be coming into this game knowing a win would send them straight to the round of 16 after thumping their Iranian counterparts 6-2 in their first 2022 World Cup game. With teenage sensation Jude Bellingham and Rahim Sterling as well as a brace for Bukayo Saka getting the goals for the Gary Southgate’s side alongside Marcus Rashford who also got his name on the score sheet despite starting from the bench before Jack Grealish cemented the victory for the 1966 champions. Medhi Taremi however got a brace on the day to reduce the margin for Team Meli (Iran).
Kyle Walker and James Maddison are still doubtful to be in contention while Maguire and Kane seem to be okay to start the game. The previous lineup for the Iran clash may not be changed with Sterling and Saka on the wings as Mason Mount plays in front of Rice and Bellingham behind Harry Kane.
After six matches, the Three Lions got their first win and their first-time scoring 5+ goals in a game after a year when they humiliated San Marino with 10 unanswered goals. USA have just two wins and three draws in their last five matches.
The two sides have met eleven times. England have won seven against USA’s three with a single draw. At the World Cup, England have played USA twice. First in 1950 and then in 2010. The Americans won 1-0 in 1950 while the encounter in 2010 ended in a 1-1 draw.
The Al Bayt Stadium with a capacity of 68,895 would host the two teams in tonight’s game, a fixture many would be looking forward to because of the caliber of both teams.