When the final whistle sounded, boos exploded among England fans at Al-Bayt Stadium.
They had had enough.
A 0-0 draw against the Americans so turgid that the referee only added four minutes – the lowest so far so far 100 minute match world cup.
It seemed Iran lost 6-2 was just an anomaly on Monday.
It’s the kind of disastrous display England fans have had to get used to in a year of six games without a win before the World Cup and relegation to the Nations League.
Once again, Gareth Southgate feels the heat – despite leading England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and Euro 2020 final. Frustrated fans made that clear with the mockery.
The Three Lions manager said: “People are going to react the way they react, and I can’t let that affect how I feel about the team or how the team feels.”
“We had to show another side”
Too defensive and too boring was the sudden reaction from fans exiting the stadium.
Southgate accepted some concerns: “We lacked a bit of momentum and quality in the final third, and couldn’t open up, to create some really good chances.
“But we had to show another side of ourselves.”
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“There will be a lot of noise”
He will, however, be hopeful that a dismal performance will not be repeated against Wales on Tuesday in the Group B final.
Wales must win to reach the round of 16. England can lose 4-0 and still qualify.
Not that fans will accept that after the turgid display against USA.
Southgate said: “I’m sure there will be a lot of noise about the performance.
“But few teams go through the World Cups and get nine points in the group.”
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And still no English team can beat the Americans at a World Cup after failing at the third attempt.
Qatar’s northernmost location is still only 45 minutes from Doha.
England looked far more sluggish than their travel time suggested.
