Disappointing but nevertheless on favorable waivers before their match against Wales next Tuesday on the last day of the group stage.

The United States, for their part, will play their qualification the same day, in a highly political duel, against Iran which for the moment is ahead of them by one point, in second place, behind England.

Friday training Gareth Southgate seemed out of inspiration, like captain Harry Kane.

Uncertain weather due to an ankle injury, the Tottenham striker started well at kick-off but did not shine during a very unexciting meeting.

Kane, however, created the first chance in the 10th minute, when he took over from the penalty spot a cross from Bukayo Saka, but his shot was deflected by American defender Walker Zimmerman.

England captain Harry Kane at the end of the match against the United States at the World Cup on November 25, 2022 in al-Khor Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV AFP

After twenty minutes of fairly clear English domination, the game was somewhat balanced and the Americans in turn were very close to opening the scoring.

A good Pulisic

In the 26th minute, in fact, Lille striker Timothy Weah sent a pass to Weston McKennie whose half-volley from the penalty spot went over Jordan Pickford's goal.

The Everton keeper suffered another scare in the 33rd minute when American Christian Pulisic, Chelsea midfielder, delivered a shot from the left corner of the penalty area which crashed into the crossbar of the English goal.

Jostled, as on this header from Pulisic close to the side (43rd), England experienced a start at the end of the first half, with two chances in quick succession: a recovery over Bukayo Saka on a cross from Luke Shaw (45th) and a nice shot at the entrance to the surface of Mason Mount, diverted for a corner by Matt Turner (45 + 1), the American goalkeeper of Arsenal.

The scenario was almost identical in the second half, with the English struggling against the Americans led by an excellent Christian Pulisic, more than ever freed from the weight of the captaincy and fulfilled as a simple soldier in the service of his team.

However England, in a last burst, almost had the last word in added time, on a free kick from the left by Luke Shaw for Kane whose header did not find the frame (90 + 3) .

A day without for the captain of the Three Lions.

© 2022 AFP