Gareth Southgate’s England come into their second match of the World Cup on the crest of a great performance against Iran. A win qualifies the English, with the USA needing a victory to stay in contention. See Last Word on Football’s England predicted lineup and the form that both sides are on coming into this match.
England Predicted Lineup vs USA
How England Have Lined-up Recently
Despite lining up in a 3-4-3 in recent months, the World Cup opener saw Gareth Southgate line his players up in a 4-2-3-1. Jordan Pickford starts in goal with Harry Maguire and John Stones in front of him at centre-back. Luke Shaw plays as left-back with Kieran Trippier out on the right. Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham play in the deeper midfield roles.
Mason Mount is ever present in the England squad as a number 10. Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling start on either side of the Chelsea midfielder, with Harry Kane playing at number nine.
England Recent Form and Tactics
After a shocking run of form before the competition kicked into full swing, England started the Qatar World Cup excellently. A 6-2 victory over Iran could have been more, with questionable penalty decisions from VAR both not awarding Harry Maguire a penalty and giving one to the Middle Eastern side. Fans will have been happy as England looked rampant, with hopes that the Three Lions can keep that rhythm going.
This came as a result of a tactical shift from Gareth Southgate. A transition to 4-2-3-1 means that there is a greater presence in the centre of midfield rather than at the very back of the pitch with the centre-backs. Such a change naturally pushes the attacking line further forwards and means that Harry Kane and the wingers find themselves in dangerous positions more consistently. The USMNT will need to press Maguire and Stones to try and force high turnovers. Sitting deep could be a death sentence for Gregg Berhalter’s side.
England Injuries to Consider
James Maddison is still missing for England. He provides a unique long passing option for Gareth Southgate, with a long shot that can threaten the best goalkeepers in the world. Arguably the more important injury news is that of Harry Kane. The striker is fit for the match against the USA and will look to add to his goal tally for the Three Lions.
England Predicted Lineup
- Jordan Pickford
- Kieran Trippier
- Harry Maguire
- John Stones
- Luke Shaw
- Jude Bellingham
- Declan Rice
- Mason Mount
- Raheem Sterling
- Bukayo Saka
- Harry Kane
Current Odds: England vs USA
The favourites are England at 7/12. The draw is the next most likely at 3/1, with a USMNT victory coming at a distant 11/2.
Last Word on Football recognise Qatar’s human rights abuses and instances of corruption taking place throughout the nation and in the background of the World Cup. Learn more about some of the issues surrounding the World Cup here.
