England: 'Three Lions still on track at World Cup despite turning clock back to dismal summer'

The draw with the United States at Al Bayt Stadium was a return to the dreary days of summer for England.

The attacking verve, creation and goals that illuminated the 6-2 triumph over Iran in their opening World Cup game were replaced by an England side lacking ambition and drive.

As the final whistle sounded, fans who enjoyed the free-flowing style that destroyed Iran made their feelings clear by delivering a loud and resounding raspberries in the direction of the players.

England are in a strong position to go through to the last 16 of the World Cup if they win their last game against Wales.

After two games missed, this was a chance to qualify.

In the second game of the Euro 2020 group stage, England were held to a goalless draw by Scotland at Wembley, but still made it to the knockout stages. The United States were the better team and they avoided a defeat.

Even though England are still in a good place in Group B, no-one can honestly say that this was anything other than a poor performance that will have the bigger names in the group having sleepless nights.

England ended their Uefa Nations League campaign with a loss at home to Hungary in June, followed by defeats in Italy and Germany and a draw at home to Germany.

The trouncing of Iran suggested that the handbrake had been taken off England.

There must be serious concerns about the way in which USA were able to run through England's midfield into space in front of the defence, as well as the constant problems they caused down the left side of the team.

England were grateful for Weston McKennie's miss, a skied effort right in front of goal, and a moment of good fortune when Christian Pulisic's effort rattled off the bar.

Jude Bellingham was unable to repeat his work against Iran in the middle of the field. He was replaced by Jordan Henderson after 69 minutes as he tried to restore order to the situation.

England's stodgy play looked to be crying out for the introduction of Manchester City's Phil Foden and a bit of the X-factor, but preferred his team-mates Jack Grealish and the Henderson shield.

England was thankful to get out of the Al Bayt Stadium with a point, still on target for their primary aim of qualification from the group, and satisfied that they were not punished by defeat for such a disappointing effort.

• What do England and Wales need to do to qualify for last 16?

'Maguire the one shaft of light'

It was thanks to the defensive performance of Harry Maguire, who was outstanding and stood tall, that England were able to avoid defeat.

Given that the Manchester United captain's club form has been so poor over a long period that he has been largely surplus to requirements for a new manager, the decision to keep faith with him has been thoroughly scrutinized.

The England manager's reasoning and faith is based on the fact that they reached the World Cup semi-finals and the Euro 2020 final in the last two years, and that Maguire is reliable.

It is too early to make a final judgement on the success or otherwise of the decision, but even those of us who have been critical of the decision must acknowledge his excellence against the Americans.

He produced a performance filled with towering defensive heads and solid defending that will bolster the confidence that has looked so fragile, especially when he had an unfortunate hand in two Germany goals in England's final game before the World Cup.

Harry Kane said that Harry put in a great performance. He gets the best out of himself when he wears the Three Lions Badge.

He did a great job against Iran. I am very pleased for him. He's had some tough moments in the past year or two, but he showed his quality today and it was an important clean sheet.

Perspective must be the watchword for England and they can reflect that little harm has been done to their chances of reaching the last 16.

Despite being soundly beaten by Iran, Wales will still be roused by the sight of the long-time football foe and will pose the danger of opponents with nothing to lose - so England cannot be lulled into a false sense of security.

If England play like this again, there can be no excuse for not playing well. The work is not done.

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