KEIR RADNEDGE in DOHA: The U S of A always spells out trouble for England at the World Cup. This time around proved no exception as Gregg Berhalter’s team spoiled the Three Lions’ pursuit of early qualification for the knockout stage of the 2022 World Cup.

Victory for England in Group B in Al Bayt would have seen them become the first team to progress and after only five days well. Instead they had to settle for a goalless draw which leaves all manner of mathematical complications awaiting not only England and the United States but also Iran and Wales next Tuesday.

In 1950 the Americans inflicted one of the England’s most humiliating defeat by 1-0 in Brazil then there was the matter of a morale-busting 1-1 draw in South Africa in 2010.

This time England started brightly. A nimble exchange of passes up the right between Kieran Tripper and Bukayo Saka prompted a cross from Raheem Sterling only for Harry Kane to see his side-footed shot deflected for a corner.

England then lost their way and allowed the US to make all the running. Haji Wright glanced a header wide, Weston McKennie shot over from in front of goal and Christian Pulisic twice went close – once with a shot which ricocheted off the top of the bar and once with a close-range header.

Finally England engaged in a flurry of positive action almost on halftime. Saka stabbed over Luke Shaw careered into the penalty box then a Mason Mount drive was saved with difficulty for a corner by Matt Turner.

Referee Jesus Valenzuela might as well have blown his final whistle then and there. The liveliest activity in the second half was the coming and going of a flurry of substitutes. And so to Ali bin Ahmad – and Al Thumama – next week.

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