Imagine the World Cup running a little invitational mini tournament for some of the nations who didn't qualify but have massive communities in the US? Like Italy, Ireland, Jamaica, Greece, Nigeria, Poland or whoever all getting to join in a bit on the days where there's no games
Don't get me wrong, there's *enough* football as it is, just think letting those supporter groups (most of which have millions based in the US) add to the fan moments we've seen already would be fun.
Might be I just don't understand enough about xG, but why is Oyarzabal's chance from the edge of the box against Spain worth nearly double the xG of Bellingham heading it into an nearly open goal?
Is it because it's a header? A cross? Because he doesn't have control of the ball?
As someone who could not have been more firmly in the “that wasn’t a red card, the US should be able to appeal Balogun’s suspension” camp, starting him under these circumstances is horrendous.
Already a lot of parallels to the DR Congo game. England being very easy to play through from the back, followed by getting hit with big switches of play. They're keeping the ball well but Mexico look more dangerous.
England pushing Quansah all the way into the forward line to let Rice sit deeper, not unlike the end of the DR Congo game. Protects his legs, if nothing else.
My (main) worry for England here is that Anderson basically winds up chasing Mora around all night and Rice just isn't fit enough for that to work. It's either score early or sit in.