Following a convincing victory in their initial 2022 World Cup match, England will try to increase their chances of taking first place in Group B when they face the USA on Friday night at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor. The Three Lions began their campaign by hitting Iran for six on Monday, while the Stars and Stripes were forced to share the spoils with Wales in their opening clash. Following memorable highs of reaching the World Cup semi-finals four years ago and then the final of Euro 2020, optimism surrounding Gareth Southgate's squad had dipped heading to Qatar after a disappointing winless UEFA Nations League campaign.

However, England's opening group game victory over Iran—their biggest-ever triumph in the opening game of a major tournament—boosted the country's chances in a decisive manner. Bukayo Saka scored either side of strikes from Jude Bellingham and Raheem Sterling in a dominant first-half showing, before substitutes Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish got their names on the scoresheet after the break. The England boss has now called for his players to improve their focus against a "full-throttle" USA outfit on Friday. After claiming maximum points against Iran, England will look to win their opening two group matches at the World Cup for the fourth time when they face the USA. They did it before in 1982, 2006, and 2018 world cups.

The USA started their World Cup qualifying campaign in Qatar on Monday with a 1-1 draw against Wales. 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 the top spot ahead of England in 2010. Indeed, a memorable 1-1 draw in their last meeting against England which saw helped them finish above the Three Lions on goal difference. The USA head into tonight's game unbeaten against England in their previous two world cup meetings including a shock 1-0 group-stage triumph back in 1950. They will be hoping for a similar outcome at the Al Bayt Stadium but the stars seem to align with England who are under immense pressure to bring the World Cup trophy home given that they are home to one of the most competitive leagues in the world, the English Premier League.

Prediction: England 2-1 USA

(Image: Khel now)