England take on USA, and a win would see the Three Lions qualify for the knockouts with a game in hand.
England kicked off their campaign on Monday in terrific fashion, smashing Iran 6-2 and demonstrating their intentions which are to win the World Cup.
“This is a good period for English football,” Southgate stated on Thursday.
“These players are putting the country on the map and regaining our respectability on the world stage – we need to keep doing that.”
Southgate was joined in the press conference by Manchester United captain Harry Maguire who commented on the volitile Cristiano Ronaldo situation and the criticism he has recieved, “I’ve played with Cristiano Ronaldo for the last couple of years and he’s one of the greatest players to kick a football.
“He gets criticised daily, so if it’s going to happen to him, it’s going to happen to every one of us. You’ve just got to work hard, do your best and that’s all you can do.”
A top class performance with the young lions on Monday saw Jude Bellingham show his World Class ability along with Bukayo Saka who also showed his readiness to lead the side to glory.
Meanwhile, USA were held to a draw when they faced Wales and will be hoping they can spoil Englands party in a game which Yunus Musah has described as “the biggest game of my life”.
One key stat worth noting is that England have won eight of their 11 games against the USA across all competitions, however USA are unbeaten at the World Cup when facing England.
Team News
England will be happy to hear, Harry Kane will return to his position leading the line against the USA after initial worries due to an apparent injury picked up against Iran. Therefore it is likely Southgate starts the same XI, with Harry Maguire also recovered from his illness. Kyle Walker has declared himself fit however an appearance off the bench is more likely, while James Maddison has yet to return to training.
USA have no fresh injury concerns and will therefore more than likely start with the same XI that drew against Wales on Monday.
England predicted starting XI | Pickford; Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Mount, Sterling; Kane.
USA predicted starting XI | Turner; Dest, Zimmerman, Ream, Robinson; McKennie, Adams, Musah; Weah, Sargent, Pulisic.
Prediction | England 3-1 USA
