FIFA World Cup 2022 Recap: England 0, USA 0

The USA and England now control their destinies after two group matches, as the two sides drew 0-0 at Al Bayt Stadium on Friday night.

It was the USA's second straight draw, but they now know a win against Iran on Wednesday would guarantee them a spot in the last 16. Meanwhile, England is still very well-placed to qualify from the group, assuming they can avoid a heavy defeat against Wales, and they would be sure of first place with a win. 

Expected goals (xG): England 0.84, USA 0.72

Man of the Match: Tyler Adams, USA

Christian Pulisic has received most of the attention, but Tyler Adams has, at worst, been right there with him as the best player on the USMNT through the first two games in Qatar.

He was excellent again against England, completing 89.4% of his passes, and he went 6-for-8 on attempted line-breaking passes to help the USA move the ball forward. As a challenger, he won three tackles and successfully defended a dribble, breaking up play with two blocked passes, as well.

It was a commanding performance in the middle of the field to break up a lot of England's play.

Best Passer: John Stones, England

Stones completed 95.6% of his passes against the USA and was once again key for England building out from the back. After completing 14 line-breaking passes against Iran in England’s World Cup opener, he completed 15 against the USA. Through two games at the World Cup, Stones has attempted 29 line-breaking passes, with every single one reaching a teammate.

Best Challenger: Harry Maguire, England

Coming into this tournament, Maguire was seemingly being questioned by everyone bar England manager Gareth Southgate. But so far, he is backing up his manager's confidence in him. He won 10 of the 14 challenges he was involved in, winning 7-of-9 aerial duels, 1-of-2 50-50s and 2-of-3 tackles.  

Standout: Christian Pulisic, USA

There was a lot to like about Pulisic’s performance against England, as he put on yet another impressive display on the ball. He successfully completed a pair of dribbles and has now completed six of the eight he has attempted in the tournament so far. He also won another four fouls, taking his tournament tally to 11, two more than England’s Jack Grealish for the most in the competition.

The final ball was somewhat lacking, though, with just one key pass and no defensive-line-breaking passes completed. He attempted seven crosses, but none found a teammate, taking his tournament tally to two completed crosses from 22 attempts.