Having got everyone all excited when thrashing Iran earlier in the week, England's second match at the 2022 World Cup was a frustrating and disappointing one; a piss-poor, lethargic, second-to-every-ball, barely-able-to-string-two-passes-together performance against the US which ended scoreless. England laboured in the often drab draw and missed the chance to seal qualification for the World Cup knockout stage. Gareth Southgate's side were second best for long periods as they failed to match the energy, intensity and high-pressing game of the USA, who have their own hopes of making the last sixteen. England, with Harry Maguire outstanding in defence, were unimpressive and rode their luck when Weston McKennie missed an easy chance and Christian Pulisic struck the bar in the first half. Mason Mount brought a fine save from USA goalkeeper Matt Turner just before the break but this was an undistinguished display from England which carried none of the attacking verve that saw them thrash Iran in their opening game and leaves them heading into their match against Wales with their fate undecided (albeit, they would have to lose by four clear goals not to qualify).
Four years ago at the last World Cup in Russia, this blogger's former BBC Newcastle colleague Vicki Sparks became the first woman to commentate on a World Cup game for the Beeb when she did Portugal versus Morocco. Albeit, the poor lamb had to spend ninety minutes (plus injury time) stuck next to Martin Keown which is more akin to a five-stretch than a pleasurable experience. At this tournament, she was rewarded with Uruguay versus South Korea for 5Live. And she got lumbered with Clinton Morrison as co-commentator. Which is more like ten years in The Joint, frankly. Mind you, it could have been worse, on BBC1 Pien Meulensteen was stuck with Danny Murphy. The horror.
Watching The Netherlands versus Ecuador on ITV, everything creative seemed to be going through Steven Bergwijn in the first-half. I do wonder if Louis Van Gaal's pre-match team talk to his team was, basically, 'just pass to the Dutchie on the left hand side.'
