Harry Kane insisted England are still in a “great position” despite the dismal draw with United States.
Gareth Southgate’s men fell horribly flat in stark contrast to their thumping win over Iran but still as good as secured their place in the knock-out stages. England fans in the Al Bayt Stadium jeered the team off at the final whistle but Kane claimed they showed another side in their performance by keeping a clean sheet.
Three Lions captain Kane also warned that fans cannot expect a huge, thumping win in every game. Kane said: “It wasn’t our best performance for sure, we had some good spells with the ball, got in some good positions but didn’t quite have the final product.
“But it was a great clean sheet which puts us in great position. But we needed to be clinical which was the complete contrast to the Iran game when we took our chances really well.
“Today we had two or three good opportunities but didn’t manage to put them away, overall we’re playing a tough team, now we have move on.
“They pressed well, we knew they’d press well and make it difficult, they’re a good side and you have to respect them. A draw still puts us in a great position in the group, we look forward to the next one.
“Of course we know we can play better but it’s a draw in the World Cup. No game is easy in the World Cup, after our first game people thought we would landslide every team but that wasn’t the case.
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“We came up against an organised team with some quality players so we have to respect that, clean sheet is really pleasing, a point isn’t what we came here for but at least we’re in a good position.” England would have to suffer a thumping defeat to Wales while a win would also guarantee top spot in the Group and potentially a better draw in the last 16.
Harry Maguire, who marked his 50th cap with a magnificent display, said: “I think big credit to the lads, they put us under pressure in the second half but we dug in and got the clean sheet so we knew the position in the group.
“These Group games are tough, you’ve seen with the group games, they’re all top teams. It’s tough, we wasn’t as clinical, as ruthless, execute the final pass well enough, we have good forwards so in the next game, we’ll be alright. We knew we had stay in control of the Group - four points from two games, we wanted to win and see the job through but we’re looking forward to the game against Wales.
“It wasn’t at our best but World Cup games are never easy and in the end, it’s a point, it puts us in a strong position in the Group.” England midfielder Declan Rice added: “Anyone who thought it was going to be an easy game, you saw they caused us problems. But I think not scoring one of those big chances we had in the first half killed us a little bit. But it’s a point and puts us in the driving seat.
“But I don’t think it’s a bad performance at all, I don’t know what people are saying, it’s a point, we want to win the game but other than them hitting the bar other than a few corners I don’t remember them putting us under too much pressure. It’s about breaking that line and creating more chances.”
USA forward Christian Pulisic, who was the sponsors’ man of the match, said he took some satisfaction from England being booed off. He said: “I guess that’s a positive sign when you play for the other team.
“I think this team has come a very long way. We should be proud of the performance. It should spark confidence. We are nowhere where we want to be, we still have a lot to do in this tournament.”
