‘For him not to be playing is a real shame’ – England 0-0 USA player ratings
England failed to book their place in the World Cup knockout phase following a goalless stalemate with the United States.
Gareth Southgate’s men, who routed Iran earlier this week, had the opportunity to become the first round of 16 participant after Group A rivals Netherlands and Ecuador played out a 1-1 draw.
Group B subsequently hangs in the balance with all four sides remaining able to progress. England faces Wales in their final game while the USA square off against Iran.
Here’s how the players rated at Al Bayt Stadium:
England
Jordan Pickford – 5 – On second viewing Pickford got a slight touch to deflect Pulisic’s howitzer onto the crossbar.
Luke Shaw – 4 – Everything came down the right for the United States through Dest meaning Shaw was often playing on the back foot. He did manage to get to America’s byline on a few occasions though lacked composure.
John Stones – 4 – A moment in the second half summed up England’s frustrations when Stones played a long, straight ball that found no runners and drifted aimlessly through to Turner.
Our team. 🦁 pic.twitter.com/M6ikQnMw7S
— England (@England) November 25, 2022
Harry Maguire – 5 – Sluggish passing from the back, consequently putting a couple out of play. He did however make the most number of clearances and long passes completed with eight, respectively.
Kieran Trippier – 3 – An uncharacteristically subdued outing for the creative right-back.
Declan Rice – 2 – Started the evening with possession going through him but as the showdown got older the West Ham midfielder saw his influence sapping with the game passing him by.
Mason Mount – 4 – Produced a rasping effort on the stroke of half-time. It was his only notable contribution. On the flip side, guilty of being caught in possession. Mount came off for Foden in England’s opener and Gary Neville felt the latter deserved to start. “For Phil Foden not to be playing in the starting XI is a real shame because he’s a massive talent. I think he’s our best player and our biggest talent by a mile in this country,” he told ITV. “He should be playing in that team.”
Jude Bellingham – 3 – Unlike in the opening game, Bellingham was more disciplined as the United States offered a far more consistent attacking presence. Even so, the Borussia Dortmund man put in another shift.
Harry Kane's game by numbers vs. USA:
39 touches
3 touches in opp. box
2 tackles made
2 shots
1 clearance
0 shots on target
0 chances created#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/I6qZdUwCl1— Squawka (@Squawka) November 25, 2022
Harry Kane – 3 – Kept dropping back to receive possession, England’s would-be all-time record goalscorer also had an effort blocked from close range.
Raheem Sterling – 3 – A largely anonymous performance for the Chelsea forward who didn’t see the game through.
Bukayo Saka – 4 – Had fewer touches of the ball compared to during England’s rout of Iran; even with minimal involvement Saka couldn’t inspire.
Substitutes:
Jack Grealish (for Sterling 68) – 5 – Made a difference when he came on. Grealish was looking to commit defenders and run and pass forward.
Jordan Henderson (for Bellingham 68) – 4 – His experience and leadership counted for something but he wasn’t able to carry England forward to victory.
Marcus Rashford (for Saka 78) – N/A – A late sub.
United States
Matt Turner – 6 – Was forced into action when Mount’s long-range effort before half-time came at him. Aside from that Arsenal’s backup goalkeeper was rarely threatened.
Sergino Dest – 5 – There’s a decent full-back in there somewhere. Dest’s speed cannot compensate for his lack of decision-making. Too often he arrived into England’s byline but seldom delivered an end product.
Walker Zimmerman – 5 – Expected a stiff battle with Harry Kane that never came. In fact, Kane had more touches in his own box than the United States’.
The Engine 💨💨💨💨 pic.twitter.com/c7kM2x1asU
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) November 25, 2022
Antonee Robinson – 6 – A really strong outlet for the United States on their left flank. The Milton Keynes-born full-back often had the freedom on that side of the pitch.
Tim Ream – 6 – Produced a crucial clearance deep into the second half.
Tyler Adams – 8 – Played the holding role well. USA’s skipper came alive early into the second half when he charged back and halted a speedy Bukayo Saka, his tackle was timed to perfection.
Yunus Musah – 7 – Energetic in a box-to-box role. Still just 19, the Valencia midfielder can become a cornerstone in this United States team.
Weston McKennie – 6 – Should have done better when presented with an opportunity in the 26th minute. Weah, given space to cross, found McKennie free eight yards out. All he had to do was hit the target, but that effort ballooned over the bar.
Tyler Adams' game by numbers vs. England:
100% final ⅓ pass accuracy
87% pass accuracy
60 touches
46 passes
8 x possession won
4 duels won
2 fouls won
2 clearances
1 interception
0 x dribbled pastBattled for absolutely everything. 😤#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/zXur6aCerR
— Squawka (@Squawka) November 25, 2022
Christian Pulisic – 7 – Had the game’s best chance in the opening half with his effort hitting the crossbar. This performance was a marked improvement from the Wales draw. “Pulisic is a massive talent and Pickford was lucky as he was beaten for his shot. It was a massive wake-up call,” Gary Neville commented on ITV.
Haji Wright – 6 – Came in for the static Josh Sargent but truthfully Wright didn’t offer USA anything different.
Tim Weah – 7 – His keenness to progress with the ball kept England’s backline on their toes.
Substitutes:
Brenden Aaronson (for McKennie 77) – 6 – Added some more fight to Spurs.
Shaquell Moore (for Dest 77) – N/A – A late sub.
Gio Reyna (for Weah 83) – N/A – A late sub.
Josh Sargent (for Wright 83) – N/A – A late sub.
