England manager Gareth Southgate expects “noise” about his side’s uninspiring display in Friday’s 0-0 World Cup draw with the United States but remains bullish about their chances.
The 2018 World Cup semi-finalists and Euro 2020 runners-up had 56 per cent possession and mustered up only three shots on target in a limp performance.
The result means the Three Lions have four points from two games in Group B, with Iran moving up into second with their 2-0 win over Wales, while the USA are third after back-to-back draws. England play Wales in their final group game.
“I’m sure there’ll be a lot of noise about the performance but not many teams go through World Cups and get nine points in the group,” Southgate told reporters.
“To be a successful team at a tournament, you have to show those different faces and we did that tonight.
“Personally, I am really pleased with the application of the players.
“To come off the high of the performance of the other day and find that same energy and level of quality was always going to be a challenge.”
Harry Kane spurned one of England’s few chances in stoppage-time, directing an open header off target from a set piece.
“Yes, we lacked a little bit of zip and quality in the final third and we weren’t able to open up, to create really good chances,” Southgate said.
“But we had to show another side of ourselves.”
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