England’s draw against the United States, according to Harry Maguire, will help them qualify from the World Cup group stage, but the Three Lions will miss their attacking ruthlessness displayed against Iran.
The Stars and Stripes held Gareth Southgate’s side, extending a stunning record of never defeating the USA in three World Cup encounters.
Harry Maguire, one of England’s better players on Friday night, talked to ITV after the game, and although he attempted to be optimistic, he couldn’t disguise his anger with his team’s struggles in the final third.
“It wasn’t our finest [performance], but I believe it’s a point. It puts us in a good position in the group. World Cup games are never easy,” Maguire remarked after earning his 50th cap.
“We knew they were a strong squad going into the game. We saw many of them, and they’re a solid squad with a fast pace.
“We had to put forth a lot of effort out there. We could have been more methodical.
“We weren’t clinical enough, ruthless enough, or executed the last pass well enough, but we know we have talented attackers on this side, so we’ll be OK.”
If England avoids a loss versus Wales on Tuesday, they will advance to the World Cup’s final 16.
