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Richard King previews the England-USA 2022 World Cup Match. Get the breakdowns of each team and how the strengths and weaknesses will affect the match.
With the opening games completed, we have started to see how some of these teams are going to play. We've also seen some injury scares, including in this game. The team at RotoBaller has you covered for all your World Cup needs. We'll bring you DFS articles, game previews, and betting picks throughout the competition.
Our next match preview will be between England and USA. This is a tough game for me, as a Brit, working with alot of Americans, I feel under pressure for England to get the result in this one. England will be full of confidence after their victory over Iran, and knowing that a win here would put them through into the knockout phase. USA will be looking to build on their draw against Wales. The team started strongly and dominated the game, before falling away.
Before you read on, remember these essential things: Betting on sports should be fun. If you aren't having fun with it, stop. And never bet what you can't afford to lose. Follow the team on Twitter (@LucidMediaDFS, @PhilOfSports, @EuanOrYouOut, @df_solutions, @Mark_Kieffer, @wagmifantasy, @Baseball_Jimbo, and myself, @RichKingFF), and reach out to any of us if you ever have any soccer questions or need advice on any of this.
Today's World Cup Sportsbook Odds - England v USA
- Caesars Sportsbook World Cup Odds - Bet Now on Caesars
- England: -180
- USA: +525
- BetMGM Sportsbook World Cup Odds - Bet Now on BetMGM!
- England: -185
- USA: +475
- DraftKings Sportsbook World Cup Odds - Bet Now on DraftKings!
- England: -185
- USA: +500
- PointsBet Sportsbook World Cup Odds - Bet Now on PointsBet!
- England: -180
- USA: +500
- FanDuel Sportsbook World Cup Odds - Bet Now on FanDuel!
- England: -185
- USA: +500
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England Team Breakdown
Ok, before we get into this England team, I'm aware that this feel-good story may not have made its way over to the US. Jack Grealish's strange dance was something that made a huge story over here, as it was a promise that he made. You can watch the backstory here if you hadn't seen it. It's a long video (around 5 minutes) but it really shows that football (soccer) can transcend just being a sport.
Now that's out of the way, let's move on to this England team. We didn't really learn all that much in the opening game, as Iran struggled to get anything going. It really could have been even more for England, with the team holding onto the ball for just under 80% of the game, and a large amount of that in the middle of the field, or in Iran's half. The real question mark after that game was the health of star striker Harry Kane. However, after having scans on his ankle it seems that he is going to be ready to go for this one. It looks like England are going to continue in the 4-2-3-1 shape that they played in against Iran, although there has been talk of Kyle Walker returning and England going back to their 3-4-2-1 shape they used in the European Championship.
Strengths: Pace and ability out wide. England used the full width of the pitch, with Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling starting out wide with Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier working as wing backs. Those four players combined for 3 goals and 2 assists, before Gareth Southgate made changes to his wide men. Substitutes Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish combined for another 2 goals after coming into the game. That strength out wide really pulls defenses apart to create gaps in the middle, an area that Harry Kane has historically performed well in (around 75% of all of his open-play goals in his career have been scored in the box).
Weaknesses: Harry Kane drifting out wide. Kane is a world-class striker, and as such you want him in the middle of the field. Kane seemed like was constantly drifting out wide. Some of that will be game-planning, as when he pulled wide the Iranian defenders followed. A prime example of this was Kane's assist for Sterling, he got the ball in the middle and then dribbled out wide. Against Iran, it may be feasible, but against tougher opponents, he needs to stay where he is most dangerous and let the others get him the ball in the area.
USA Team Breakdown
USA started the game against Wales strongly, dominating the game. That changed in the second half, when Wales introduced striker Kieffer Moore. That seemed to change the shape that Wales were using, and their style, and USA couldn't deal with it. In the end, the USA finished the game with just one shot on target, which was Timothy Weah's goal. It looks like any fitness concerns over Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah were misplaced, as both seem like they are going to be able to play in this one. USA are likely to stick with their 4-3-3 formation in this one.
Strengths: Pace on counterattack. England's wingbacks flew forward often against Iran, but they need to be more disciplined here. The speed and ability of Christian Pulisic and Weah combined can hurt England on the counterattack. England also had some simple defensive lapses, which led to Iran scoring their first goal. England's Harry Maguire in particular has struggled to stop teams from countering on him for Manchester United.
Weaknesses: Focus and stamina. USA looked great in the first half of their game against Wales, but Wales managed to make one substitution and change that. If they are going to be able to get a result here, they need to be able to keep the pressure up on England and not let their midfield get too comfortable. If McKennie and Musah struggle to unsettle Bellingham and Mount, then this could be a long day for USA.
England v USA Preview
The USA are a tougher test than Iran, and England will need to perform at their best here. Iran scoring in open-play highlights that England's defense can be breached, and the USA have players that can score goals. Despite that, England just have too much talent in attack and should be able to record a decent victory here.
Score prediction: England 3-0 USA
