First big challenge for the United States against favored England

The United States men's national team (USMNT) faces off against England this Friday at the Al Bayt Stadium at 2 p.m. EST in the second set of games for Group B in the Qatar World Cup. Both teams managed to earn points on the first day. After its 1-1 draw against Wales in the first match, the U.S. team, led by coach Gregg Berhalter, is looking for its first win against the toughest opponent in the group. The English side is looking to mathematically guarantee a spot in the round of 16 after beating Iran 6-2 in their first match.

The U.S. team was superior for the first 45 minutes against Wales, who is playing in the World Cup for the first time in 64 years. Star forward Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah and captain Tyler Adams led the way. It was Pulisic himself who set up Timothy Weah for the game's opening goal in the 35th minute. Wales improved after the break, and Gareth Bale evened the scoreboard with a penalty kick with just ten minutes left in the game.

The United States is capable of beating any team, as Berhalter said a few days ago. The USMNT showed signs that it belongs in the round of 16. With the quality of their play, the verticality they showed, and the intensity they displayed against the Welsh team, they only need good results against England and Iran to be among the final sixteen teams remaining in the World Cup.

Favorites to win the tournament

Speaking ahead of the U.S. and England match, U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner had nothing but praise for his opponent and considered them the favorites to win the tournament:

England showed why they are among the favorites to lift the FIFA World Cup Trophy in Qatar after dominating the Iranian squad. In that first match, the "Three Lions" (the English side's nickname because of the three lions on their national crest) showed the world classic English soccer: fast, direct and effective.