ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate is set to name an unchanged side for the Three Lions' clash with USA TONIGHT.
Harry Kane, despite his injury worries is expected to start in attack alongside Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling, who both scored in the 6-2 win over Iran.
And Southgate is set to show loyalty to the very same XI after the impressing opening day win.
Furthermore, USA boss Gregg Berhalter has joked that the England boss has been ignoring his messages on WhatsApp.
He revealed: “I’ve been Whats-Apping but I haven’t seen the blue checkmark."
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Stay tuned with all the latest ahead from tournament…
- Daniel Cutts
SOUTHGATE 'GHOSTING' USA BOSS
GREGG BERHALTER has joked that Gareth Southgate has been snubbing him on WhatsApp.
But the USA head coach wants to send a message on the pitch tonight.
Berhalter, 49, has previously described the England boss as a mentor, with the pair regularly keeping in touch.
But ahead of tonight’s Group B showdown, Berhalter laughed: “I’ve been Whats-Apping but I haven’t seen the blue checkmark.
“So, I don’t know what’s going on. We kind of took a hiatus. We will pick up our relationship after tomorrow.”
England have won four of their last five meetings against the USA — though the sides drew at the 2010 World Cup and America famously beat the Three Lions in the 1950 tournament.
The Americans now have a talented generation of young stars bursting through — including Tyler Adams, 23, Christian Pulisic, 24, Yunus Musah, 20 next week, Weston McKennie, 24, and Tim Weah, 22.
But asked if this his golden generation, Berhalter stressed: “I think that’s just to be determined.
“We haven’t achieved anything as a group on a world stage.
“When you’re talking about England coming in fourth at the 2018 World Cup and then second at Euro 2020, there’s tangible things that you can say: OK, this group achieved something.
“We’re not there yet. We’re getting a little bit ahead of ourselves calling the team that. It’s still to be determined.”
- Etienne Fermie
Good Morning Football Fans,
England take on the USA tonight in a major World Cup clash in Qatar. After the incredible 6-2 win over Iran earlier this week, the Three Lions should secure qualification to the knockouts if they overcome the Americans.
And Gareth Southgate is expected to name the same starting XI from Monday's victory, meaning fans should be able to watch young hotshots like Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham take to the World Cup stage again.
Before that game Wales have a huge clash of their own as they face Iran. After a draw with the USA in their first game, Rob Page's side will know that a win will give the Dragons a major boost of making the knockouts.
Brazil and Serbia were the last sides to kick off their World Cup campaigns last night. Richarlison scored two goals in the second-half – including one spectacular acrobatic effort – to give the Samba Boys the three points.
But the nation has been left sweating on the fitness of talisman Neymar. The PSG star limped off towards the end of the game with an ankle problem after being on the end of a couple of heavy Serbian tackles.
But Brazil manager Tite has insisted he should be fine for the rest of the tournament.
Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in five consecutive World Cups after he netted a penalty against Ghana.
It was the opening goal of a chaotic game but strikes by Joao Felix and Rafael Leao secured the points in the 3-2 win.
But Ghana star Osman Bukari nicked a few headlines for himself after copying Ronaldo's 'siu' celebration when he scored a late consolation for the African side.
In the other games, Switzerland beat Cameroon 1-0 while Uruguay and South Korea played out a competitive 0-0 draw.
- Kiro Evans
Blast from the Past
England play the USA in the World Cup for the first time since 2010.
A lot has changed since then and it's quite incredible how far England's team has come along.
The starting XI set to take to the field tonight will be largely young, exciting talent who are full of energy.
The same could not necessarily be said about the 11 players who started in South Africa, with Three Lions in an awkward period of transition away from the Golden Generation.
- Kiro Evans
Finding Their Feet
It was a mixed day at the office for Brazil yesterday as the Samba Boys finally kicked off their tournament.
On the bright side, Richarlison looked sharp and scored twice, including one stunning spectacular effort, as Brazil beat Serbia 1-0.
Boss Tite also got to show off all the talent at his disposal, with the likes of Arsenal pair Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus and Man United's Antony coming off the bench.
But less positively, Brazil's talisman Neymar limped off with an ankle issue. We can expect to hear more news on his fitness today but Tite sounded calm about the situation in his post-match press conference.
- Kiro Evans
Danger Man?
England come up against the USA later today and it will be "Captain America" leading the charge.
The enigma that is Christian Pulisic could be a potential threat to England's hopes of getting through the group unscathed.
While the American has struggled at Chelsea in recent months, he still has plenty of skill and guile to cause the Three Lions problems at the back.
It will be up to the defence – which showed vulnerabilities against Iran – to keep him quiet.
- Kiro Evans
Hoping for the Best
It's game two for England tomorrow as they take on a tricky USA side.
The opening win over Iran would have boosted confidence, but the players are still hard at work in training as they prepare for their next clash.
England fans will be hoping Jude Bellingham features heavily again. The youngster was spotted with a big smile on his face alongside Ben White in training.
- Kiro Evans
It's Just Not Ron
Seething Ghana boss Otto Addo blamed "special gifts from the referees" for a landmark Cristiano Ronaldo goal.
Addo reacted sarcastically after Ronaldo become the only player to ever score at five World Cups as Portugal sneaked a dramatic 3-2 win.
The Ghana manager was left unhappy at ref Ismail Elfath for giving Ron a penalty that the legend dispatched for a second-half opener.
Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu got the merest of touches on the heel of the former Manchester United player.
- Kiro Evans
Ouch
This is the moment when Neymar was on the receiving end of a poorly-timed tackle in Brazil's World Cup clash with Serbia.
The 30-year-old star went off injured and was pictured in tears on the subs' bench. But the initial noises from his manager Tite are positive.
- Kiro Evans
Tomorrow's Games
It's round two of the World Cup tomorrow as teams from Group A and B, England and Wales included, play their second games.
Group A
Qatar v Senegal (13.00 UK Time BBC)
Netherlands v Ecuador (16.00 ITV)Group B
Wales v Iran (10.00 BBC)
England v USA (19.00 ITV)
- Kiro Evans
Don't Worry About Neymar
Brazil's manager Tite has played down concerns about Neymar fitness and insists he will play again at the World Cup.
The PSG star limped off with injury with 10 minutes to go after being caught in a couple of bruising Serbian tackles.
But the Samba Boys boss has told his nation after the game that there is nothing to worry about.
He said: " Don’t worry, Neymar will play the World Cup. He will keep playing, you can be sure about that."
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Neymar did not want to comment on his fitness after the game.
- Kiro Evans
Record Breaker
It's been some week for Cristiano Ronaldo, even by his famous standards.
It was only on Tuesday that he agreed with Manchester United to rip up his contract after his bombshell interview.
48 hours later, he scored for Portugal to make himself the first person to net in five consecutive World Cups.
But the drama wasn't done there as the cheeky Ghanian star Osman Bukari nicked his "siu" celebration after he bagged a goal back, leaving the 37-year-old displeased.
- Kiro Evans
Green Shoots of Recovery
England play the USA in the World Cup tomorrow for the first time since 2010.
In that now infamous opening match in South Africa, Rob Green spilled an easy shot into his goal leading to a 1-1 draw after Steven Gerrard's opener.
England came into Friday's game in a far better shape than 12 years ago, and know victory over America should secure a place in the knockouts.
With the dependable Jordan Pickford in goal, England fans will be praying history will not repeat itself.
- Kiro Evans
Moment of Magic
This was the moment Richarlison scored arguably the goal of the tournament to settle the game against Serbia.
You suspect the Spurs star could be key for Brazil this World Cup.
- Kiro Evans
End of Play
Richarlison has lit up Day Five of the World Cup with a brilliant goal to help Brazil see off Serbia.
And earlier an entertaining clash between Portugal and Brazil saw Ronaldo become the first person to score in five consecutive World Cups.
Group G results
Switzerland 1-0 Cameroon
Brazil 2-0 SerbiaGroup H results
Uruguay 0-0 South Korea
Portugal 3-2 Ghana - Matt Penn
Neymar in TEARS
It doesn't look good at all for the Brazilian superstar…
- Matt Penn
Brazil BEAT Serbia
Brazil won their opening game at the World Cup as they beat Serbia 2-0 thanks to two goals from Richarlison.
The Tottenham forward tapped home midway through the second half before unleashing an incredible bicycle kick to double Brazil's lead.
But it wasn't all good news for the Brazilians, as superstar Neymar went off with an ankle injury.
The PSG forward went off the pitch in tears and was seen with ice wrapped around his ankle on the bench.
But it remains to be seen just how serious the injury is.
Credit: EPA - Kostas Lianos
Marco says no
Arsenal have had their hopes of signing Real Madrid ace Marco Asensio dashed after the Spain star revealed he wants to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Asensio spoke to Marca about his desire to continue playing for Real after shining for the Furia Roja against Costa Rica.
The forward said: “Hopefully the renewal can be done and I will be very happy at Real Madrid.
“Hopefully it’s to stay for 10 more years here at Real. It’s not just me deciding — it’s also up to the club”
Credit: Reuters - Kostas Lianos
Not Inter him
Inter Miami have distanced themselves from signing ex-Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo is without a club after his United deal was terminated earlier this week.
Prior to the forward’s interview, SunSport exclusively revealed that David Beckham’s club were lining up a sensational January move for him.
But according the Telegraph, the MLS side have stepped away from a potential deal after Chelsea and Newcastle also cooled their interest in him
- Kostas Lianos
Sancho continues training
Manchester United star Jadon Sancho is keeping himself in shape throughout the World Cup in the Netherlands after not making the England squad.
Sancho, 22, who left fans baffled by blacking out his Instagram account recently, has won 23 caps for the Three Lions.
However, a drop in form for United has seen the winger lose his England place and miss out on the 2022 World Cup.
Now the MEN have claimed that the forward is working with Dutch coaches in Holland “on the advice of [Erik] Ten Hag in order to keep fit and refocus” during the World Cup break.
They state that sources have told them “Sancho is working hard to improve his form and taking advice from Ten Hag”.
Sancho has been pictured training with Dutch amateur side Rosmalen as he took part in some ball work around mannequins
- Kostas Lianos
Ronaldo speaks out
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first ever player to score at five World Cups and then declared his Manchester United debacle to be over, reports SunSport's Tom Barclay.
Speaking in a press conference – that lasted only 2 minutes and 12seconds – and answering just one question, Ronaldo said: “This was a beautiful moment – my fifth World Cup.
“We won, we started with a good foot. A very important win. We know the first match is crucial. But also a world record. The first player to score in five World Cups. That makes me proud.
“The most important step is we won. It was a week that finished this chapter [with United].
“This chapter is closed. We wanted to start with a good foot. We won. I could help my team. All the rest does not matter”
- Kostas Lianos
Rabiot transfer war
France international Adrien Rabiot may finally complete a transfer to the Premier League despite his summer move to Manchester United collapsing.
Juventus ace Rabiot was close to completing a swoop to Old Trafford over the summer but saw the £15million deal fall through.
According to Calciomercato, the midfielder is being targeted by Arsenal, Chelsea as well as Tottenham.
The 27-year-old wants a contract worth £8.6m per net, a figure the three clubs are all prepared to offer.
And with the Frenchman's deal expiring next summer his negotiation position with a hesitant Juve is only being boosted
Credit: Getty
- Kostas Lianos
American Paul Pogba
Valencia star Yunus Musah featured for the England youth teams right up to Under-18 level.
Musah, 19, who left Arsenal for the LaLiga giants in 2019, could well have been a Three Lions star of the future.
However, in 2020, the midfielder instead made the decision to accept a call-up by the USA – where he was born.
Since then, the man described by Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper as an “American Paul Pogba”, has gone on to receive 19 caps for the States and will face England on Friday
- Kostas Lianos
Queiroz lashes out
Angry Iran boss Carlos Queiroz confronted a BBC reporter for asking about Iranian protests, demanding: 'Why don’t you ask Gareth Southgate about Afghanistan?'
Queiroz's players refused to sing the national anthem before being battered 6-1 by England in support of anti-government dissenters.
But the former Manchester United assistant manager took exception to a journalist urging striker Mehdi Taremi – sat beside him when talking to the media ahead of facing Wales – to provide a message for those who have taken to the streets against the authoritarian regime.
Queiroz made a beeline for the reporter at the end of the press conference as he insisted: “Why do you ask us these questions?
“Is it not fair to ask these questions to the other coaches?
“Why don’t you ask Mr Southgate about England and the United States when they left Afghanistan?”
- Kostas Lianos
Diogo Costa madness
Ronaldo watched on in horror towards the end of NINE minutes of injury time as Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa almost had a Shay Given moment when putting the ball on the floor, not realising Inaki Williams was behind him, writes SunSport's Tom Barclay.
Williams raced round him, just as Coventry striker Dion Dublin did Newcastle stopper Given in 1997, and nicked the ball.
But unlike Dublin, he could not find the net and Costa got away with it.
Cristiano Ronaldo was fuming with his goalkeeper after the final whistle eventually blew – as his first game back was almost ruined by such a moment of madness
- Kostas Lianos
Portugal 3-2 Ghana
That would have been the greatest “Shay Given” moment since…..Shay Given, says SunSport's man on the firld Martin Lipton.
Diogo Costa had NO idea Inaki Williams was behind him as he dropped the ball at his own feet to clear.
Back in 1997, Dion Dublin picked Given’s pocket in almost identical style to score for Coventry.
The cameras captured the utter shock developing on Cristiano Ronaldo’s face as he watched in disbelief.
And the Ghanaians were still furious at CR7 for the penalty after getting off their knees at the final whistle. Especially when, ludicrously, he was named man of the match
Credit: Getty
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