England close on World Cup knockouts but USA draw tempers expectations

• Lack of imagination mars turgid stalemate in Qatar
• Side can afford to lose to Wales by margin of up to three goals

England's footballers are on the verge of the World Cup knockout stages despite a turgid goalless draw against the USA. But their lack of imagination and guile will surely temper expectations about whether they have the class to go all the way in Qatar.

The good news for Gareth Southgate's side is that they only need to avoid losing to Wales by more than three goals on Tuesday to progress to the last 16. They know, too, that in almost every major tournament they are liable to put in the odd whiffer of a performance. But the loud boos from England supporters at the end suggested that this was a proper stinker.