The Three Lions of England have failed once more to beat the United States of America, as they laboured to a drab draw to miss the chance to seal qualification for the World Cup knockout stage.
Before the game on Friday night, a lot of fans expected the Three Lions of England to continue from where they stopped against Iran, but Gareth Southgate’s side were second best for long periods as they failed to match the energy and intensity of the USA, who have their own hopes of making the last 16.
England, with Harry Maguire outstanding in defence, were unimpressive and rode their luck when Weston McKennie missed an easy chance and Christian Pulisic struck the bar in the first half.
Mason Mount brought a fine save from USA goalkeeper Matt Turner just before the break but this was an undistinguished display that carried none of the attacking verve that saw the Three Lions thrash Iran in their opening game, and leaves them heading into their match against Wales with their fate undecided.
England remains firm favourites to qualify for the knockout stage, knowing they only need to avoid a four-goal defeat against Wales to progress.
Pulisic is the USA’s talisman, leading from the front and even acting as a cheerleader for their supporters as they applied pressure in the second half.
He troubled England’s defence with his intelligent running and control and was desperately unlucky to see a powerful first-half drive bounce back off the woodwork with Jordan Pickford beaten.
Leeds United’s Tyler Adams was another inspirational figure as the USA fully merited their point – and might easily have had all three.
England have a history of trouble with the USA at World Cups, having lost in 1950 and drawn in 2010.
They again proved to be a thorn in the side here and come the final whistle England’s players and management looked relieved to have escaped with a point.
Southgate speaking after the game, said the three Lions of England remain in a “strong position” to reach the last 16 despite a lacklustre performance that saw them produce their fewest shots on goal in a World Cup match in more than 30 years.
“It’s a game you can lose if your mentality is not right,” said Southgate.
“To come on the back of such a comfortable win, it is very difficult to find that sort of level again,” Southgate told BBC Sport.
“The players are a bit down but I’m not. I thought we controlled the game, our two centre-backs with the ball were outstanding. We lacked a little bit of zip in the final third tonight.”