Although England has won eight, drawn one, and lost two of their 11 matches against the USA, they failed to win either of the two World Cup meetings. In 1950, a US team of amateurs pulled off the “Miracle on Turf,”  beating an England side then dubbed the “Kings of Football” in a historic upset. Sixty years later, the Stars and Stripes held the mother country to a draw, in South Africa. Eleven places separate the Three Lions, in fifth, from their US opponents in the FIFA Rankings. Although they found themselves pegged back by Wales, the USA’s young side will have gained valuable experience — theirs is the second-youngest squad in the tournament.

Coach Gareth Southgate will have been delighted with the pace, movement, and clinical finishing that led to six goals against Iran, but more concerned with the concession of two at the other end. For all that the USA led Wales for 46 minutes on Monday, Expected Goals gave the edge to their opponents by 1.87 to 0.96. After all the speculation, England opted for a back four against Iran, and the USA is also likely to go with four at the back, as they did in their opener. England has doubts over two Harrys, Kane and Maguire, but knows that a win will ensure that they progress to the last 16.