FIFA 23 - World Cup mode simulation predicts England v USA

England got their World Cup campaign off to a great start with a crushing 6-2 win over Iran, but their second game is set to be much trickier.

The USA were unlucky to come away with just a point from their opening match and should provide a stern test for Gareth Southgate's men.

With qualification into the last 16 on the line, we have used FIFA 23's new World Cup DLC to simulate England's second match in this year's tournament.

Starting XI

You can't change a winning formula, right?

Jordan Pickford will surely start in goal, and the preferred pairing of John Stones and Harry Maguire should play so long as the latter is deemed fit.

Kyle Walker may return, but we have stuck with Kieran Trippier and Luke Shaw at full-back.

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CONSISTENCY IS KEY - We don't expect any changes for matchday two

Declan Rice will play in holding midfield, allowing both Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount to raid forward as they did so successfully against Iran.

Bukayo Saka justified his selection in the starting XI with a fantastic brace, and he will surely start with Raheem Sterling on the wings.

Captain Harry Kane has had an ankle scan ahead of the game, but presuming he is fit he will certainly start against the USA.

Against the grain

Both teams made a lively start to the game, with Premier League stars Christian Pulisic and Brenden Aaronson both getting shots away.

England midfielders Bellingham and Mount both tried their luck from distance too but to no avail.

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HISTORY MAKER - Kane is gunning for his second World Cup Golden Boot

The American front three continued to cause problems for an England defence lacking pace, and another quick counter saw Weston McKennie fire narrowly over the bar.

However, against the run of play, Harry Kane fired England into the lead after being left with the freedom of the six-yard box!

Shooting themselves in the foot

Things went from bad to worse for the USA as Walker Zimmerman was given his marching orders for a rather robust tackle on the England captain.

With the numerical advantage, England began to dominate with Bellingham going close to adding to his World Cup tally.

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MAIN MAN - McKennie provided USA's main threat

Mount went close again after Rice won the ball high up the field, but was denied by an excellent save from Matt Turner.

The USA showed signs of life as Aaronson once again tried his luck, but his effort was dragged wide from the edge of the box.

Golden boy

"A moment the goalkeeper would like to forget."

Summed up perfectly, Bellingham pounced on a woeful throw from Turner to rifle home a second goal for England.

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MAN OF THE MOMENT - Bellingham looks set to continue his form

Kane really should have made it three after a sumptuous pass from Bellingham, but the Spurs superstar smashed his shot into orbit.

The final few minutes became an onslaught with England peppering the American goal, with Turner preventing the scoreline from getting embarrassing.

Verdict

England is through to the knockout stages!

Fans will certainly be happy if the game on Friday, 25 November pans out in this fashion.

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EASY DOES IT - A comfortable win in the end

While USA caused problems, an early red card and resulting 2-0 will do nicely for Gareth Southgate's men.

With just Wales to play in the final group match, the top spot is within England's grasp.

WATCH - ENG v USA Highlights

Take a look at the highlights from the simulation below.

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Find out where to watch England v USA live at 7pm GMT on Friday, 25 November.

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