England to cruise through USA World Cup group? Rounding up English press reaction to Qatar 2022 draw

The World Cup draw was made on Friday, with England to face Iran, USA and one of Wales, Scotland or Ukraine in the group stage.

Following the draw, the reaction in the English press was largely that Gareth Southgate’s team will have a rather easy passage through to the knockout stages in Qatar.

After reaching the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and getting to the final of Euro 2020, England of course have massive expectations to go all the way this time around, particularly with the likes of Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling at their peak.

However, there could be a danger of England perhaps being overconfident…

How have the English press reacted?

On Saturday morning, The Telegraph stated that England have been handed a “dream” draw:

The Daily Mail called it a “dream” matchup as well, and seemed to look ahead to the knockout stages, suggesting England would qualify with ease.

The Daily Mirror used the headline “Yankee Doodle Dandy” to suggest a favorable draw, and called Group B a “Group of Life” to suggest England would have no problem getting through.

The Sun, meanwhile, commented that England’s hopes of World Cup glory had “soared” upon discovering they’d play USA and Iran:

The Daily Star also suggested that it will be straightforward for England to progress:

The Guardian described the draw as being “ideal” for Southgate’s men:

How did the English press react to 2010 World Cup draw?

Ahead of the 2010 World Cup, England were also given what was perceived to be a favourable World Cup draw as they were pitted against USA, Algeria and Slovenia.

The Sun responded with an infamous headline of “EASY - England, Algeria, Slovenia, Yanks - Best English group since The Beatles”.

However, things didn’t go to plan for England. Fabio Capello’s side drew 1-1 against USA in their opening group game, with Rob Green making a howler which allowed Clint Dempsey to score.

England then drew 0-0 with Algeria, with Wayne Rooney criticising the fans immediately after the game, down the barrel of the television cameras.

The Three Lions eventually escaped the humiliation of an early exit by beating Slovenia 1-0, though it still meant they finished 2nd in the group behind USA. However, England were then destroyed 4-1 by Germany in the round of 16.

What is England’s World Cup group stage record?

England usually make it past the group stage at the World Cup, but there have been three occasions when they have failed to progress, most recently in 2014.

What is England’s record vs. USA?

England have faced USA 11 times in all, and have won eight of those games.

However, USA famously beat England in the 1950 World Cup, with neither team making it past the group stage. In addition, USA won 2-0 in the US Cup in 1993.

England have won all of the friendlies they have played against USA, most recently 3-0 in 2018, with Jesse Lingard, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Callum Wilson on the scoresheet.

Source: https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/england-usa-world-cup-group-english-press-reaction-qatar-2022-draw/jphcw4uiqgafr9ebmigt2xxv