For US soccer fans, the USMNT’s Group B showdown with England on Friday looms as the most anticipated match in a long time.
Given the high-profile opponent, the added hype for this World Cup after the US failed to qualify in 2014, and the timing (2 p.m. Eastern on a holiday), all eyes will be on Christian Pulisic and the USMNT.
In Gaming Today’s breakdown of the USA vs. England odds, props, and predictions, we’ll examine whether the US can earn a draw — or better — against the heavily favored England.
Best USA vs. England Odds: Moneyline and Total
Here are betting lines from top US sportsbooks for USA-England as of Wednesday, Nov. 23. The odds are likely to change between now and kickoff, and it’s always advised to weigh the options at various sports betting apps to find the best bonuses and prices.
These odds reflect the prices for both sides on the three-way line, where a bet on either team is a loss in the event of a draw. DraftKings and FanDuel both price a draw at +320, while Caesars offers it at +305.
SOCCER · Fri (11/25) @ 2:00 pm ET
| USA | at | England |
| Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, QA | ||
Claim a $1,000 risk-free bet on World Cup with BetMGM bonus code: TODAY
Moneyline
The England vs. USA odds list Gareth Southgate’s side as the heavy favorite to add three more points and seal a place in the knockout rounds. Coming off such a dominant performance against Iran, it’s tough to predict anything other than a win by England.
Total
The total in England-USA is set at 2.5, with the Under priced at -120 and the Over at -105 on DraftKings. Given USA’s offensive struggles in qualifying and against Wales on Monday, the under is probably the smart play.
England vs. USA: World Cup History
England’s appearances in the World Cup are always memorable, and 2018 was no exception. Harry Kane and Co.’s run to the semifinals, where they lost to eventual runner-up Croatia, did not lack for drama. The same could be said for England’s journey to the final of Euro 2020 last summer against Italy.
England’s World Cup history includes a trophy in 1966, but the closest it has been since has been the semifinals. In addition to reaching that stage in 2018, England also made it there in 1990.
Prior to England’s deep run in 2018, it was eliminated in group play in 2014, the round of 16 in 2010, and the quarterfinals in both 2006 and 2002.
USA is back in the World Cup after missing the tournament in 2018. In both 2014 and 2010, the US was eliminated in the round of 16. In 2006, the USMNT failed to advance from group play, four years after the team was eliminated by Germany in the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup.
England and USA have met in the World Cup twice before in 1950 and 2010. The US upset England in 1950 and drew Three Lions 1-1 in South Africa in 2010.
England Roster, Injuries, and Betting News
England has impressed in its last two major tournament appearances, reaching the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020 last summer.
Based on one game, this year’s team might be even better. Spain was incredible against Costa Rica on Wednesday and France looked great against Australia on Tuesday, but England delivered the most impressive effort of the tournament by one team when they went up 3-0 on Iran at halftime en route to a 6-2 romp.
Roster
England is so deep with Premier League talent that it’s hard to single out its top two or three players. But the main headliners are Harry Kane and Phil Foden up top, with Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, and Declan Rice among the stars in the midfield. The back line also has a heavy Premier League presence with Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier, John Stones, and Harry Maguire.
England’s goal scorers against Iran were Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka (2X), Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, and Jack Grealish.
Injuries
Whether Harry Kane (ankle) is fit for this match is by far the biggest question. Otherwise, England appeared to emerge from the win over Iran without any notable injury concerns.
The loss of Chelsea’s Reece James was the biggest blow when England announced its squad.
Prior to Southgate revealing his World Cup roster, the availability of Kalvin Phillips was in question, but the former Leeds United star — who joined Manchester City this summer — gives England another solid option in the midfield, as long as he’s fit.
USA Roster, Injuries, and Betting News
The USA is very young but doesn’t lack talent. As it showed Monday against Wales, its biggest issues have to do with consistency and composure.
The USMNT was a different team early in the second half than it was in the first half. If the US can play for 90 minutes against England the way it did for the first 45 against Wales, it has a legitimate shot to hang with England. But any lapses will be punished in a split second by a loaded English attack.
And #hottake: Mental errors like Walker Zimmerman’s penalty that put Gareth Bale on the spot also have to be avoided.
Roster
The US roster is led by Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, and Brendon Aaronson, to name a few. Many fans are hoping to see Aaronson get a start, but the question is who Berhalter should sit to make space for him and/or Borussia Dortmund winger Reyna.
In an ideal world, the US center back pairing would likely be Miles Robinson and Chris Richards, but with neither player healthy enough to make this roster, Tim Ream and Zimmerman have to step up. No team in the tournament will test them quite like England and how they fare against Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and the English side’s talented backups will likely decide the matchup.
Injuries
Pulisic looked worn down by the end of Monday’s draw against Wales, but hopefully, that was fatigue and an example of what it looks like when a player is hurt but not injured. If Pulisic is less than 100%, his team is (obviously) not nearly the same.
The other player whose status is a major question mark is Reyna. He said after Monday’s game that he felt healthy, but Berhalter’s decision to sub on Jordan Morris late in the match instead of Reyna makes you wonder.
England vs. USA Props
Below is a sampling of props on England vs. USA.
Anytime Goalscorer (FanDuel):
- Harry Kane: +110
- Callum Wilson: +160
- Marcus Rashford: +190
- Raheem Sterling: +200
- Bukayo Saka: +240
- Jesus Ferreira: +320
- Josh Sargent: +350
Correct Score (DraftKings):
- England 1-0: +650
- England 2-0: +700
- England 2-1: +800
- USA 1-0: +1400
- USA 2-0: +3500
- USA 2-1: +1800
- 0-0: +1400
- 1-1: +700
Total Goal Props (DraftKings):
- Over 0.5 goals -3500, Under 0.5 goals: +1200
- Over 1.5 goals -390, Under 1.5 goals: +290
- Over 2.5 goals -120, Under 2.5 goals: -105
- Over 3.5 goals +215, Under 3.5 goals: -275
England vs. USA Broadcast Info: Where to Watch
- Friday, Nov. 25, 2 p.m. ET
- Al Bayt Stadium
- FOX
- FoxSports.com
- Fox Sports App
- Peacock
- Telemundo
England vs. USA Prediction: England 1, USA 1
Despite England’s clear talent advantage – we’re talking about a team whose second XI could probably win most groups, if not make a run in knockout play – I like the USA’s chances of scraping out a draw. That is because, first of all, patriotism! (Yes, I’m a homer who doesn’t want to predict a loss here). Other reasons to believe in the USMNT, to at least draw:
- Assuming Gregg Berhalter puts him out there, Gio Reyna could be a difference-maker.
- This wouldn’t be the first draw or win by a big underdog in this World Cup. In addition to underdogs Tunisia and Morocco drawing Denmark and Croatia, respectively, Saudi Arabia over Argentina and Japan over Germany showed us that anything can happen!
Here are two game parlays on DraftKings worth checking out if you believe the USA can earn a result:
- Double Chance Tie or USA: +145
- Tie and Under 2.5 Goals: +400
Read: USA World Cup odds | World Cup 2022 group odds, picks, and predictions | Netherlands vs. Ecuador odds and prediction
About the Author
