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James Quinlan

Alan Shearer identifies key battles as England look for World Cup group qualification

Alan Shearer believes England can 'outplay' USA in tonight's Group B encounter, but feels it will be a tougher examination of Gareth Southgate's side.

England know a victory over the United States can guarantee their quallification to the knockout stages, following Iran's 2-0 win over Wales earlier today. England ran out 6-2 victors over the Iranians in the first match, while the USA drew 1-1 with Wales.

And Newcastle United goalscoring legend Shearer feels there will be some key areas of the game tonight, which could go a long way of deciding the outcome.

LIVE BLOG: England vs USA LIVE: World Cup updates and early team news as Southgate's side bid to qualify

"They know the USA are strong in certain areas, the battles out wide are going to be super interesting," Shearer said on the BBC's World Cup coverage. "USA have a clear pattern in terms of when they have possession their full-backs are high, the two midfielders drop.

"But England, if they play like they did the other day technically they can outplay USA for sure."

Newcastle United's Kieran Trippier is expected to start again tonight, with Callum Wilson and Nick Pope again on the bench, There was a feeling Wilson could start should Harry Kane's ankle knock rule him out, but the England skipper looks set to keep his place.

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