The England coach said that England showed the courage needed for the World Cup against the United States

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The England coach said that England showed the courage needed for the World Cup against the United States

AL KHOR, Qatar, Nov 25 (Reuters) – England manager Gareth Southgate has acknowledged his team’s failure to replicate the fluid attacking style shown on their World Cup debut in a 0-0 World Cup draw against the United States on Friday, but says success in major tournaments is more often than not. What takes a brave performance.

England opened their campaign in Qatar with a lopsided 6-2 win over Iran on Monday, raising hopes that they have found their goalscoring form in time for the World Cup.

But the boos that echoed in Al Bayt Stadium at the end of the match against the United States indicated that such predictions may be premature.

“Yes, we lacked a bit of dynamism and quality in the final third and we couldn’t open up to create very good chances. But we had to show another side of ourselves,” Southgate said.

“To be a successful team in a tournament you have to show those different faces and we did that tonight. I’m sure there will be a lot of hype around the performance, but not many teams go to World Cup finals and get nine group points.” .

Southgate, the former England defender who led his country to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and Euro 2020 final as a coach, praised his players.

In addition, he praised his players’ resilience on defense, as they withstood a series of attacks by the USA team who grew in confidence throughout the match and came close to winning it.

“Personally, I am very satisfied with the players’ demand. Coming out of top form the other day and finding the same energy and level of quality will always be a challenge,” he said.

With the draw, England moved top of Group B with four points, followed by Iran with three, the United States with two and Wales with one.

On the third and final day of Group B, England will meet Wales next Tuesday.

(Reporting by William Schomberg. Editing in Spanish by Carlos Calvo Pacheco)

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