England Win, Wales Draw: Key Group B Notes
It’s time to talk about Group B, which kicked off on Monday [21 November] with a victory for England and a draw between the USA and Wales.
While there is plenty to be said of non-football topics, not least the concussion protocol that placed Iran’s Ali Beiranvand at serious risk, the focus of this article will be on the tactical trends that will shape matchdays two and three.
Let’s start with an impressive performance from the Three Lions, before dipping into the USMNT’s draw with Wales.
England Dominate Iran in Group B Curtain Raiser
Nobody expected Gareth Southgate to deviate from the five-at-the-back system that he has spent the last few years working on. But that is exactly what he did versus Iran.
He dropped England’s third centre-back in favour of an extra forward, with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham asked to dictate the tempo from midfield.
And it worked.
The Three Lions were exceptional at times versus Iran, with Bukayo Saka producing a dominant performance from the right flank before he was replaced in the second half.
Tactically, there are three key points to think about as the tournament moves on.
Harry Kane’s Low-Block Isolation
While many of his teammates enjoyed an afternoon to remember, captain Harry Kane was somewhat of a peripheral figure — as indicated by the size of his icon in The Athletic’s pass map:
When the Spurs forward left the pitch in the 76th minute, he had amassed only 18 touches and nine accurate passes. In effect, Iran’s stubborn defence marked him out of the match — mostly.
But mostly is the operative word because he also recorded two assists.
Talk about efficiency.
Kane won’t be able to turn water into wine with so few touches every time he suits up, but he should be pleased with his start to the tournament.
Bukayo Saka’s Impressive World Cup Debut
Saka scored twice and produced a player of the match performance before he was replaced in the 71st minute by Jack Grealish.
"We needed that good start, we didn't play the best coming in so there was talk and speculation coming into the tournament, but we showed them what we’re about and what we can do,” he told the BBC.
“I can't describe the feeling, it's amazing, I'm so happy, so proud, we got the win as well. It's a special day."
Saka made the most of his audition in Southgate’s 4-3-3, using his pace and offensive smarts to hurt Iran on the transition.
He also combined neatly with Bellingham (more on him next) and offered a level of offensive fluency rarely seen from an Englishman on the international stage. Still only 21, Saka should keep his spot versus the USA.
Jude Bellingham Provides Playmaking Spark
If not for Saka’s brilliance, Bellingham would’ve been named player of the match. The in-form Borussia Dortmund midfielder was a hive of activity alongside Rice and made several line-breaking passes to feed England’s front three.
It’s also important to remember that Bellingham is only 19. He will improve as the tournament unfolds, much to the devastation of the Three Lions’ remaining group stage opponents. Ominous.
USMNT Wobble in Wales Draw
Wales came from behind to draw 1-1 with the USMNT in what can only be described as a game of two halves.
The Americans dominated their opponents before the interval, but were caught flat-footed by a Welsh squad that just doesn’t know how to quit once play resumed.
There is plenty to learn from the contest for both sides as a result.
Tyler Adams Makes Statement Performance
Tyler Adams — who was voted captain by his teammates on the eve of the tournament — produced a fine performance at the heart of midfield for the US.
He made one clearance, two interceptions, and four tackles in a display that saw him released from the deep-lying playmaker role that Gregg Berhalter has repeatedly tried to shoehorn him into.
Instead, the Leeds United talent worked between both boxes and used his engine to set the tempo for the Americans — much like he does under Jesse Marsch at Elland Road.
Kieffer Moore Holds the Key for Wales
Wales were second-best by some distance in the first-half, but it only took one substitution for them to turn the tide.
Kieffer Moore replaced Daniel James at the halfway mark and immediately made a difference for Wales. His physicality unsettled the USA’s defence and contributed to the penalty area chaos that led to the equaliser.
If not for the introduction of Bournemouth’s towering forward, Wales wouldn’t have forced their way back into contention. He must start versus Iran.
Matt Turner & the Duality of Man
It’s no secret that Matt Turner — who joined Arsenal from the New England Revolution this summer — is an exceptional shot-stopper.
Since his professional debut, the 26-year-old has consistently outperformed expected goals and won the USMNT starter’s job after a run of standout saves in MLS.
Turner demonstrated his ability versus Wales, with a fine stop to prevent Ben Davies from equalising in the 64th minute.
However, Moore exposed a serious flaw in the American’s skillset less than a minute later when he beat Turner to a cross on the edge of the six-yard box.
The former NCAA star fumbled another set-piece delivery earlier in the match and also overplayed his hand in the last minute with some rogue sweeping.
England and Iran should make the most of the USMNT’s risky goalkeeping.