FIFA World Cup 2022: USA keeps undefeated record vs England at the World Cup – tactical analysis

As the full-time whistle sounded, boos and beer showers rained from the London skies as England supporters voiced their displeasure.

After a comprehensive victory against the Asian champions, Iran, a 0-0 draw while being outplayed by the North American Champions put a temporary dampener on the English World Cup party.

In the USA, the scenes were exactly the opposite. The pre-match psyche was largely pessimistic among the American crowd, so to see the calibre of play against the top-rated team in the group was the encouragement American fans needed, especially after a disappointing draw against Wales.

As frustration filled the English air, American watch parties were filled with excitement and joy. It’s not to say a win wasn’t preferred, but more that the performance exceeded expectations.

This tactical analysis will take a deep dive into the key tactical principles that decided the game. We’ll start with each team’s passive mid-block, then advance to in-possession tactics and attacking transitions.

Lineups

Garret Southgate set out the same lineup that faced Iran. In a 4-2-3-1, Jordan Pickford took his position in goal, protected by a backline of Kieran Trippier, John Stones, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw. In midfield, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice operated as the double pivot with Mason Mount ahead of them. Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling were the two wide forwards in the system while Harry Kane recovered from his injury in time to make the start up top.

The USA’s Gregg Berhalter countered with a lineup very similar to the one used against Wales, but in a different system. The shape was a 4-4-2, as shown in the image above, but with Timothy Weah given license to push into the wings and Weston McKennie liable to slide inside. Christian Pulisic’s positioning and movements were nearly identical to his left-forward role. It was a 4-4-2 on paper, but the roles were very dynamic with the wide interchanges keeping the English off balance.