England vs. U.S. World Cup: Draw Against the U.S. Complicates the Group Stage

The way England was playing in the second half of their match against U.S.A., it almost suggested that they were comfortable with the tie.  They might have been wanting to avoid the risk of the loss, but they certainly made things more complicated for themselves in the group stage.  With both the England and U.S. teams expected to beat the other teams in their group, Slovenia and Algeria, it would leave both teams tied for points.  Which would put their ranking for the group stage at the mercy of their goal differential.

Some may say that is doesn't matter whether England is first or second coming out the group stage, but it certainly might matter for the competition they may face.  With the impressive way that Germany is playing against Australia today, and their prior record, it certainly looks as if they will be first coming out the group stage.  Then for second in Group D, the favoured team was Serbia, but with their loss to Ghana, it could be anyone's chance. 

So, who do you think England would rather face in the first elimination round, Germany or a choice between Ghana and Serbia?  Most would say they would rather take their chances with the African or Eastern-European teams than with the World Cup powerhouse that is Germany.  With Germany second on the all-time World Cup rankings, it would appear that England has a much better chance of making it to the Quarterfinals against 11th ranked Serbia or 49th ranked Ghana. 

What does England have to do to ensure this favourable match-up?  Wayne Rooney has to show the form that made him one of the most dangerous players in the Premiership this season.  Rooney had a few chances against the U.S., but couldn't find the back of the net.  Secondary scoring has to come as well from talented midfielders Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrrard to ensure that they have a strong goal differential.  They cannot afford to sit back and defend on a one goal lead, but must continue their attack. 

This of course is all speculation since so many elements come into play in each game, neither the U.S. nor England are guaranteed to advance out of the group stage, it just seems the most likely scenario.  Slovenia will come on hard in their game against both the United States and England, knowing that a second win would be enough to advance them into the knockout rounds of the tournament. 

England will have to be at their best for these next two games to ensure a favourable match-up in the Round of 16, and help them progress deeper in this tournament.