England vs USA Preview: Déjà Vu at SoFi Stadium

They played out a 0–0 in Qatar that felt like a defeat for England and a triumph for the USA. Now, on American soil, with 70,000 partisan fans at SoFi Stadium, the dynamic has completely flipped.

England's Form

Gareth Southgate is gone. Under new manager Thomas Tuchel, England are — genuinely — fun to watch. Jude Bellingham is operating as a no.10, Phil Foden has been given freedom, and Cole Palmer has forced his way into the starting XI.

Their opener against Iran was a 3–0 stroll. Do not read too much into that.

The USA's Threat

The Americans are no longer the plucky underdogs. Christian Pulisic leads a generation that has been battle-hardened in Europe's top leagues. Gio Reyna, finally fit, is a real danger. And at home — with the crowd, with the noise — they are a different animal.

Gregg Berhalter has them set up in a high press that will test England's composure in possession. Harry Kane drops deep to receive; that could be the key tactical battle.

Key Matchup

Jude Bellingham vs Weston McKennie — the midfield collision that will define the game. Bellingham wants time on the ball. McKennie will not give it to him.

Prediction

This one goes to 90 minutes level. The USA snatch it on a Pulisic counter with ten minutes to go.

USA 2–1 England

"Playing at home at a World Cup is the greatest advantage in football. England haven't faced anything like what's waiting for them in LA." — Alexi Lalas