Group B has given us a lot of excitement from the get-go. England thrashed Iran, then USA and Wales shared dominance with taking a half and a goal each. Today, Iran and Wales provided us with one of the best matches of the tournament so far (mostly thanks to the Middle Eastern squad) and now it is up to the Three Lions and the Yankees to keep up with the tone of the group intense dynamics.Stars and Stripes were not happy with sharing the spoils with Wales in their opening clash and on top of that – there is sports animosity between USA and England, which could give us an massive match up. England will endeavour to boost their hopes of securing top spot in Group B when they lock horns with the North Americans at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on Friday evening.England will look to win their opening two group matches at the World Cup for a fourth time when they face USA, having previously done so in 1982, 2006 and 2018. Their second fixture at the last World Cup saw Southgate and co cruise to a 6-1 victory against Panama, who missed out on a place in Qatar after finishing behind USA in CONCACAF qualifying.England have won eight of their 11 meetings with USA across all competitions, scoring 39 goals in the process, and they will be keen to increase this tally to nine on Friday as they bid to move one step closer to the last 16.History clashes on many fronts as Three Lions face the YankeesAfter missing out on the 2018 World Cup, USA began their campaign in Qatar with a 1-1 draw against Wales on Monday. Gregg Berhalter has been criticised back in the States for losing momentum against the Dragons, but the 49-year-old – who briefly represented Crystal Palace in his playing days – believes his team “left everything out there” and remains hopeful of securing a place in the knockout rounds.The USA managed to progress from the group stage at their previous two World Cup finals, finishing second ahead of Portugal in 2014 before securing top spot ahead of England in 2010. Indeed, a memorable 1-1 draw in their last meeting against the Three Lions – which saw Robert Green fumble a Clint Dempsey strike – helped the Americans to finish above Fabio Capello’s men on goal difference.Warriors of Iran did not give up and got their reward! Fully deserved late win over the anemic WelshEngland is riding on memorable highs of reaching the World Cup semi-finals four years ago and then the final of Euro 2020. However, optimism surrounding Gareth Southgate’s squad had dipped heading to Qatar after a disappointing winless Nations League campaign. But the countriy’s hopes were quickly boosted in emphatic style as the Three Lions roared to a 6-2 victory in their opening group game against Iran, their biggest-ever win in the first match of a major tournament.The Stars and Stripes head into Friday’s contest unbeaten in their previous two World Cup meetings with England, including a shock 1-0 group-stage triumph back in 1950, and similar heroics will be required if they wish to come away with at least a point at the Al Bayt Stadium.Rosters look encouraging for both sides. England have been boosted by the news that captain Harry Kane has not suffered a serious injury to his ankle following a scan on Wednesday – the 29-year-old has since trained with the first-team squad and is expected to retain his place up front.ENGLAND VS. USA 🔥FOOTBALL VS. SOCCER ⚽️CAN’T WAIT 🍿 pic.twitter.com/neAvYwJJ6f— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 25, 2022 Kyle Walker has declared himself fit to feature against USA and has taken part in training after recovering from groin surgery, but the Manchester City defender is not expected to start, with an appearance off the bench to build up match fitness more likely.James Maddison is yet to return to training with the Three Lions due to a knee problem and the playmaker remains doubtful for Friday’s clash, with Bellingham, Declan Rice and Mason Mount all poised to start again in centre-midfield.Southgate could name the same starting lineup that began against Iran, with centre-back Harry Maguire – who has recovered from illness – set to keep his place in the back four alongside Kieran Trippier, John Stones and Luke Shaw.The Americans are eager to prove to the world that they are not intimidated. And as for their squad news – Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah came off with respective groin and toe problems in the draw with Wales, but the midfield duo should be fit to retain their places in the first XI alongside captain Tyler Adams.Time to bring back the classic before USA Vs England 😂 pic.twitter.com/F9T0MJ6wy4— Kushagra 1970 (@KushagraPSG) November 25, 2022 Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic is expected to continue in the front three alongside Timothy Weah and Norwich City’s Joshua Sargent, although Borussia Dortmund’s Giovanni Reyna will be hoping to force his way into the attack after watching on as an unused substitute last time out.Leeds’ Brendan Aaronson and Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers were both named on the bench against Wales, with the former coming on in the second half, and both players are set to begin as substitutes again on Friday.Adams is one of eight British-based players at club level in Berhalter’s squad, and the Leeds United man is set to start in front of a back four consisting of Fulham duo Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson, while Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner should keep his place between the sticks.QATAR 2022 WORLD CUPGROUP BFridayWales – Iran 0-2 (0-0)/Cheshmi 90+9, Rezaeian 90+11/22:00: (1.55) England (4.10) USA (7.25)***odds are subject to change
