England vs USA: Harry Maguire revival continues, Tyler Adams thrives and 5 things we learned

Harry Maguire confidence surges

Harry Maguire has been much maligned throughout a torrid season for Manchester United, but the centre-back’s resurgence under Gareth Southgate continued here.

Reinvigorated wearing the Three Lions, Maguire is thriving as a weapon at set-pieces again; not only as a force in the air either. There was some intricate footwork at a breakdown, which created havoc inside the USA box as England recycled possession from a corner.

Maguire has rekindled his influence in possession too, thriving with time on the ball and sending a delicious long ball onto the boot of Raheem Sterling in the first half.

And while Maguire has often been defensively vulnerable at United, he cut a calmer figure once more for England tonight. Exposed by Luke Shaw, Sergiño Dest propelled himself towards goal, only for the 29-year-old defender to retreat and block an effort without much fuss. The typical magnetic field surrounding his head was on display as the United States enjoyed spells of genuine pressure, which bodes well for England when stronger tests arrive.

A silver lining to the torture of the a goalless draw? Southgate was thrilled by how Maguire and John Stones played: “Our two centre-backs were absolutely outstanding on the ball. To play with such composure against that pressing was unbelievable.”

Christian Pulisic strikes the crossbar

Christian Pulisic relishing added responsibility away from Chelsea

Captain America continues to relish the added responsibility away from Chelsea.

There is an aura around Pulisic in the Stars and Stripes and added clarity when in possession. The quick shift and strike after a snappy backlift saw the ball crash off the woodwork in the first half. And Pulisic appears eager to influence the game on the international stage, rather than let it come to him. The 24-year-old is an able runner into the box and a surprise threat in the air, further outlining the untapped potential in blue.

Luke Shaw fights for the ball with Weston McKennie

England lacking snap to passing game

The United States were comfortable throughout most of the first half, but England lacked urgency and an alertness in possession.

Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham were sacrificed after 68 minutes, but in truth others may have considered themselves fortunate to stay on the pitch, including Mason Mount.

Seldom willing or able to move the ball quickly, the USA were comfortable, yet quickly unravelled in the rare moments when the tempo surged. Barely 10 minutes into the contest, Bellingham combined nicely with Kieran Trippier and Bukayo Saka to slalom into the penalty area. The ball looked destined for the back of the net after a cutback to Harry Kane, only for Walker Zimmerman’s fine block.

There was little adventure to England’s play there after, with Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford’s introduction failing to shake things up. If Southgate is determined to be reactive, it may not overly concern him, but when opportunities arise, England must show more intent on the ball.

Harry Kane reacts to a missed chance after Walker Zimmerman’s block

Tyler Adams bosses midfield to enhance reputation on football’s biggest stage

Tactically disciplined for the majority of the game with two banks tightly positioned and then three forwards handed license to roam, Tyler Adams enabled Gregg Berhalter’s system to thrive, enjoying the game in front of him for the most part.

But even during sloppy moments, such as when Pulisic coughed up possession in the second half, leaving Antonee Robinson isolated after venturing forward, Adams was there. A lung-busting run over half the length of the pitch extinguished a bright spark as Saka broke into the box.

As the USA grew into the game, Adams even flourished in possession, recycling the ball and showing tenacity to outmuscle the likes of Mason Mount as England attempted to move up the pitch. A stellar performance from the captain, leading by example.

Kyle Walker set to walk back into starting line-up

Kyle Walker may be relieved just to be in Qatar after an unlikely recovery from groin surgery, but Gareth Southgate must surely recall the Manchester City defender to face Wales.

Back three or five, in place of Kieran Trippier or Luke Shaw, with the Newcastle full-back switching flanks, those are decisions to ponder before next Tuesday’s final group game against Wales.

Recommended

But Walker will bring much-needed drive and penetration in possession, not to mention a more daring approach with the ball, with others comfortable to take risks knowing the 32-year-old’s outstanding ability to recover.

Walker will stretch the pitch too and would surely have joined Saka more often than Trippier managed against the United States. His return should hand England a much-needed boost.

Register for free to continue reading

Registration is a free and easy way to support our truly independent journalism

By registering, you will also enjoy limited access to Premium articles, exclusive newsletters, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists

{{#verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}} {{^verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}}

By clicking ‘Create my account’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy policy and Terms of service apply.

Already have an account? sign in

By clicking ‘Register’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy policy and Terms of service apply.

Register for free to continue reading

Registration is a free and easy way to support our truly independent journalism

By registering, you will also enjoy limited access to Premium articles, exclusive newsletters, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists

{{#verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}} {{^verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}}

By clicking ‘Create my account’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy policy and Terms of service apply.

Already have an account? sign in

By clicking ‘Register’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy policy and Terms of service apply.

Source: Read Full Article