England v USA predictions: Three Lions can cruise to another victory

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for England v USA in World Cup Group B on Friday.

Where to watch

ITV1, 7pm Friday

Best bet

England -1 on Asian handicap
2pts 103-100 bet365

England should be feeling confident after their 6-2 demolition of Iran on Monday and the Three Lions are likely to be far too strong for the USA, who are under pressure after a poor second-half performance in their opening 1-1 draw with Wales.

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Match preview

England began their World Cup challenge with a hugely impressive 6-2 victory over Iran and the Three Lions can seal a place in the last 16 with another comfortable success over USA.

Previous England teams have had issues at World Cups against the Stars and Stripes, who famously beat the Three Lions 1-0 in 1950 and held them to a 1-1 draw in South Africa 12 years ago. But none of that will concern boss Gareth Southgate, whose side should be brimming with confidence.

A disciplined, defensively-minded Iran side had been talked up as potentially tricky opening opponents for England, but Southgate's men didn't look back from the moment Jude Bellingham nodded them into a 35th-minute lead.

There were goals for two of England's forward trio as Bukayo Saka bagged a brace either side of Raheem Sterling's first-half strike. Skipper Harry Kane did his bit with a pair of assists.

Kane sustained a knock to his ankle on Monday, but he has been passed fit after undergoing a scan and can take his place in a potent England front three who may have given a few sleepless night for the USA head coach Gregg Berhalter in the lead-up to this contest.

In previous World Cups the USA have offset a lack of technical ability by being organised and fully committed. And while there is probably more talent in the US class of 2022 than at any previous World Cup, there is also a lack of experience which was evident during their 1-1 draw with Wales.

The US looked on a different level to Wales in the first half but they struggled to cope after the break as substitute Kieffer Moore took the game by the scruff of the neck for the Dragons. In the end, they were probably grateful for the final whistle because, as the game became stretched, it was Wales who looked the more threatening.

Berhalter will want his players to get back on the front foot, but that may prove difficult against England.

Unlike the Welsh, England are likely to press high from the outset and if they can win the ball in advanced areas it could be only a matter of time before they punish a suspect USA defence.

The US may be forced to play on the counter and they certainly have some invention and mobility in the final third. Christian Pulisic is dangerous when he tucks in off the left flank - and he showed his quality with a superb assist for Timothy Weah's goal against Wales.

Weah and Josh Sargent are lively attacking outlets and Valencia's 19-year-old midfielder Yunus Musah caught the eye with his speed, strength and vision.

There is plenty of potential in this USA team, which will improve in the years ahead, but they lacked leadership when the tide turned against Wales.

It is likely that the Stars and Stripes will have to deal with further setbacks against England, who could roar into the knockout phase.

Key stat

England have won five of their last seven group-stage matches at major tournaments.

Team news

England
Harry Kane (ankle) and Harry Maguire (illness) have trained and are available. Kyle Walker (groin) is in contention after injury but James Maddison (knee) is a doubt.

USA
Weston McKennie (groin) and Yunus Musah (toe) are available despite picking up minor injuries in the 1-1 draw with Wales.

Probable teams

England (4-2-3-1) Pickford; Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Bellingham, Rice; Saka, Mount, Sterling; Kane.

USA (4-3-3) Turner; Dest, Zimmerman, Ream, Robinson; McKennie, Adams, Musah; Weah, Sargent, Pulisic.

Inside info

England

Top scorer in probable team Harry Kane
Star player Harry Kane
Penalty taker Harry Kane
Assist ace Harry Kane
Set-piece aerial threat Harry Maguire
Card magnet Luke Shaw

USA

Top scorer in probable team Christian Pulisic
Star player Christian Pulisic
Penalty taker Christian Pulisic
Assist ace Weston McKennie
Set-piece aerial threat Walker Zimmermann
Card magnet Timothy Weah

England v USA Bet Builder

England to win England won their opening two matches at Russia 2018 and can do the same in Qatar by despatching the US

Harry Kane to register an assist Kane did not get many sights of goal against Iran but he was a creative force, laying on two goals for his teammates

Over 2.5 goals There was an attacking emphasis to England's play against Iran and more of the same should deliver a high-scoring outcome on Friday.

Price guide 9-2

Match information

Stadium Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor
Fifa rankings England 5, USA 16
Weather Clear, 25C

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