World Cup England v USA tips: Three Lions hungry for more goals against the States

England will kick off as huge favourites against the USA after their scintillating performance in the first game, but they must not under-estimate an emerging American team that is beginning to shape up under the guidance of head coach Gregg Berhalter.

The Three Lions came into the tournament on a six-game winless streak but that record was soon laid to rest as they enjoyed their best ever start at a World Cup, completely overwhelming Iran with an impressive 6-2 win.

Despite their recent poor form, England appear to have turned up when it matters and, after reaching the semi-final at the 2018 World Cup and the final at the 2020 Euros, hopes are high that it could be third time lucky for Gareth Southgate and his team.

Teenager Jude Bellingham and Arsenal's Bukayo Saka excelled throughout, with both getting on the scoresheet to make an early bid for the FIFA's World Cup Young Player Award.

Further goals from Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish (the last two from off the bench) set the seal on a slick, enterprising display that highlighted the strength in depth of England's exciting young squad.

The only real surprise was that Harry Kane failed to find the net. He will eager to get off the mark for the tournament in what promises to be a tighter game. He might just offer decent value to score the first goal, especially as England's designated penalty taker.

On the other side, USA kicked off their tournament eager to make an impact after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. They can't be overly disappointed with their opening 1-1 draw with Wales but early on it looked likely to be so much better.

The North Americans were the better team in the first half. However, despite their domination they went in at half-time with nothing more than Timothy Weah's tidy 36th-minute finish to show for their efforts.

The game changed radically in the second half when the USA had little answer to a change in Welsh tactics and they did not manage a single shot on target after the break. Under pressure for long periods, it came as no surprise when Gareth Bale eventually scored a deserved late equaliser from the penalty spot.

England looked impressive in the first game but the Americans will have noted that even during an emphatic victory the English defence was far from watertight and was exposed a few times after the break.

That said, we can expect England to take the game to the USA, dominating possession and pushing the American defensive unit deeper.

That defence was exposed when put under pressure against the Welsh and looks destined to be breached earlier by England's quality, suggesting good value in the prospect of England taking an early lead and converting it into a win that will seal their qualification to the knockout phase.