USA coach Gary Gold says all the pressure is on England when the two teams meet here on Thursday - and that Japan’s victory over South Africa in 2015 has made all Tier Two nations believe they can be giant-killers.
A four-day turnaround between their first and second game has forced Eddie Jones into making 10 changes to his starting XV.
And former Bath coach Gold said: “I think Japan’s victory over South Africa changed the mindset of the nations below Tier One. I think that the gap, while still quite wide, is closing.
"We do not have anything to lose, other than the game, and the pressure will be on England.
“No one gives us a chance but maybe we can put some doubt in their minds.
"This is the first World Cup where we have had a fully professional squad, with players either involved in our league, which is growing, or based in Europe.
"We want to give England a good run for their money.”
Gold, however, believes even a much-changed England team do not have any weaknesses.
“England are a very well equipped team,” the South African said. “We have watched all their recent matches and did not find any weaknesses.”
England scrum coach Neal Hatley says that John Mitchell, the defence coach who used to be in charge of the USA, has given England vital pointers.
“We have got great insight from John, who coached these players and brought many of them through,” he said.
“He has led the American analysis and it has been very handy having him on board.”
