World Cup 2022: England vs USA – prediction, team news, lineups 

England started their World Cup campaign in style – a 6-2 win over Iran, but boss Gareth Southgate was far from impressed that the Lions let two goals in, saying there were things they would need to work on ahead of the USA game. 

England will be looking to win the game to secure the top spot in Group B on Friday night (19:00 kickoff) at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.

England are one of the favourites to win the World Cup, whilst the USA will be happy if they are able to make it to the Round of 16. 

England got off to an incredible start, whilst the USA struggled in their first game against Wales but in the end managed a draw. Despite USA being 1-0 up, Wales came back into the game and dominated the whole second half – eventually winning a penalty and equalising the score line. 

Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in Russia in 2018 whilst the USA failed to qualify. 

England’s disappointing run in the Nations League had many fans weary of how far they could really go in the World Cup. But their emphatic style in their opening game has fans’ expectations high. 

Bukayo Saka scored on either side of strikes from Jude Bellingham and Raheem Sterling in a dominant first-half. Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish came on as substitutes and got their names on the scoresheet after the break. 

Positives to take from first games

There were plenty of positives to take from the Iran game – especially considering there was nearly half an hour of stoppage time across the two halves. But the two goals England conceded left Southgate calling for his players to improve their focus. 

England have won eight of their 11 meetings with the USA across all competitions – scoring 39 goals in the process.

The USA missed out on a place in the 2018 World Cup and started off their 2022 campaign strong. They dominated the first half of the match against Wales and deservedly took the lead. 

Timothy Weah gave USA the lead just nine minutes before half-time but fell apart in the second half when Wales flipped the game on its head and dominated – eventually equalising. 

USA coach Gregg Berhalter has been criticised by American fans for the USA’s 1-1 against Wales. He says his team “left everything out there” and remains hopeful of securing a place in the knockout rounds. 

USA have managed to progress from the group stage at their two previous World Cups. 

Qatar World Cup England vs USA – Team News 

England’s captain Harry Kane is fit enough to start against USA, after fears of an ankle injury picked up in the Iran game. But following a scan on Wednesday, the captain returned to training with the first-team. 

Southgate may announce the same starting lineup that began against Iran – with Harry Maguire, Keiran Trippier, John Stones and Luke Shaw starring in a back four. 

But Kyle Walker – perhaps England’s best defender – has declared himself fit to feature against the USA and has been taking part in training sessions after recovering from groin surgery. Southgate may want Walker to get his feet on the ball before the next round in the World Cup. 

James Maddison is yet to return to training with England due to a knee problem and he remains a doubt for the game. Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Mason Mount are all likely to start in midfield again.

USA Team News – British based players make up USA squad

Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah came off with respective groin and toe problems in the Wales game but the midfielders are expected to be in the starting XI alongside Tyler Adams. 

Captain Adams is one of eight British-based players in the USA national squad. 

The USA will likely have its back four formation – with Fulham FC players Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson, whilst Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner is expected to remain in goal. 

Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic is expected to be in the front three with Timothy Weah and Joshua Sargent – although Giovanni Reyna will be hoping to force his way into the attacking three after watching from the benches during the Wales match.