Why USA vs. England is far more than just another World Cup game: 1950 upset, 2010 draw and EPL influence loom large

Micah Adams

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Why USA vs. England is far more than just another World Cup game: 1950 upset, 2010 draw and EPL influence loom large image

When the United States and England meet on Black Friday in Qatar, far more is at stake than merely three points in the quest to emerge from Group B.

LIVE: Follow updates from USA vs England World Cup Group B match 

Sure, both sides enter their second group stage match with their eyes set on qualifying for the knockout round. England sits atop Group B after dismantling Iran 6-2 in its opener, tied for the most goals England has ever scored in a World Cup. And while the Americans came away with a point from the 1-1 draw with Wales, they're surely left with a sour taste after blowing a late lead and the chance to secure a pivotal early win.

Incredibly, England has never beaten the United States in a World Cup. First came USA's stunning 1-0 upset in 1950 in Brazil. Then came the equally demoralizing draw in 2010 in South Africa.

Twelve years later, the Three Lions fancy their chances to not only put away the Americans, but to emerge as legitimate World Cup contenders.

To get you set for the highly anticipated Black Friday holiday bash, Marc Stein revisits the bloody history and explains why current connections make this third entry into their World Cup rivalry bigger than ever before.

MORE: Watch every World Cup match live with fuboTV (U.S.-only free trial)

FULL WORLD CUP ROSTERS FOR EVERY TEAM

Australia | Argentina | Belgium | Brazil | Cameroon 
Canada | Costa Rica | Croatia | Denmark | England
France | Germany | Ghana | Iran | Japan | Mexico
Netherlands | Poland | Portugal | Qatar | Senegal
Serbia | Spain | Switzerland | Uruguay | USA | Wales 

Micah Adams

Micah Adams Photo

Micah Adams is a Managing Editor and Head of Affiliate and Commercial Content at Sporting News. Prior to joining SN in 2021, Adams spent over a decade producing and leading content teams at ESPN, DAZN and The Social Institute. Adams graduated from Duke University in 2009 and remains a Cameron Crazie at heart well into his 30s. When not losing sleep or hair over the Blue Devils, Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bulls, and USMNT, Adams enjoys chasing his two small children around along with his wife, losing golf balls, spending time outdoors and binging terrible movies.