It was a frustrating night for Gareth Southgate’s side and a marked contrast to Monday’s 6-2 Group B win over Iran with the States proving tough, talented and dangerous opponents.
Indeed, America it was who came closest to scoring, Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic seeing a first half shot hit the bar while for England a Harry Kane header in injury time represented the Three Lions’ best hope.
The result leaves England top of Group B with four points, but with Iran on three, America on two and Wales on one, it means all four teams can still reach the last 16 going into Tuesday’s last games.
Southgate had named an unchanged side for the first time in 53 matches at the Al Bayt Stadium as he looked to build on the momentum of that impressive Iran display.
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But unlike Monday’s opener, it proved a sluggish first 45 minutes with the Americans largely in the ascendancy.
The warning signs for England were there when USA midfielder Weston McKennie fired just over on 25 minutes.
On 32 minutes another sweeping American move saw England stretched once more and Chelsea’s Pulisc opened up a fraction of space before fizzing in a smart shot which smacked against the top of the bar.
Another fine cross by Sergino Dest met the waiting Pulisic and the Three Lions were relieved to see his header swivel wide of the left hand post.
Just before the break England finally generated some attacking momentum of their own.
A surging Luke Shaw down the left flank run saw the ball eventually find Bukayo Saka but his shot carried too much elevation before USA keeper Matt Turner had to be alert to deny Mason Mount’s long range shot.
The American territorial and possession dominance continued after the break with their pressure and pressing pitting England on the back-foot once more as Southgate’s players struggled to break out of their half.
City’s Jack Grealish was introduced on 65 minutes along with Jordan Henderson as England attempted to stem the tide.
The winger immediately injected more pace and purpose into the Three Lions’ work but chances remained at a premium.
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Fellow sub Marcus Rashford eventually tried his luck with a curling shot but it was meat and drink for Turner while Kane had arguably the best opportunity, blazing an injury time header wide from Luke Shaw’s inviting cross.
The result means England still haven’t beaten the United States in three World Cup games, a run stretching back to 1950.
Despite the draw however, England top the group after two games and need only avoid a 4-0 defeat to Wales in their final game on Tuesday to seal a place in the last 16.
Meanwhile the game between Iran and the USA is an effective winner takes all encounter.
