USMNT vs. England World Cup preview

The GIST: Monday’s World Cup opening 1–1 draw with Wales didn’t go as planned, but throw your jersey in the wash and prepare to get hurt again hyped for the USMNT’s next group stage match vs. England, Friday at 2 p.m. ET.

The matchup: It’s a Revolutionary War rematch and global dominance is once again on the line…just the footy kind this time. And while we might have our independence, England has historically reigned supreme on the pitch. The Three Lions boast an 8-2-1 record against the U.S., and the red, white and blue’s last win came back in 1993.

Keys to success: With internationally acclaimed forwards like (possibly injured) Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka, England is an offensive machine. To counter, the U.S. will look to captain Tyler Adams to hold it down in the midfield while man-bunned centerbacks, Tim Ream and Walker Zimmerman, secure the backline.

• Of course, there’s also the matter of scoring goals. There’s no denying the U.S. talent up front, but the young and inexperienced group will likely rely on counter attacks and set pieces from forward Christian Pulisic to pull off the upset. It’s like 1776 all over again.