DC United manager Wayne Rooney has accused England fans of being too stubborn to recognize that the quality of American soccer is ever-improving after Three Lions supporters booed their 0-0 World Cup tie.
Having started their World Cup campaign with a 6-2 thrashing of Iran, England regressed in Friday’s meeting with the US, which ended in stalemate.
The USA impressed against the Three Lions and arguably had the better chances with Christian Pulisic smashing a strike against the crossbar in a gripping affair at the Qatar World Cup.
The USA clinched a point against England in a goalless stalemate in Group B at the World Cup
England fans booed the Three Lions players off the pitch at full-time after a drab performance
DC United boss Wayne Rooney claimed the booing stemmed from ‘English prejudice’ in soccer
Following the goalless affair, many English supporters were left unimpressed with their team’s tepid performance that saw just one meaningful shot on target, and boos could be heard inside the Al Bayt Stadium at full-time.
However, DC United coach and former England international Rooney claimed the booing proved English supporters failed to recognize the ever-increasing quality of American soccer.
In his column for The Times, Rooney wrote: ‘There was booing at the Al Bayt stadium at full-time in England’s 0-0 draw with the USA — which was crazy because the team being jeered had just more or less qualified for the round of 16 of the World Cup.
‘I know England fans expect a lot, but sometimes in our football [soccer] culture we can be stubborn about recognizing the qualities of the opposition.
‘This is definitely true when it comes to football [soccer] in the USA. It is better than most people in England think. The standard of American players and American coaching is high and increasing in quality all the time.
The former England international insisted the quality of American soccer is ever-improving
Timothy Weah has bagged the only goal of the USA’s campaign, scoring against Wales
‘The USA are a good side with a good manager and they play with an exceptional energy which can make them difficult opponents for any team. Not to accept that is simply English prejudice. If England had just drawn with Denmark, fans would not be booing, would they?’
The United States at times looked like the stronger team than England and were not afraid to press their opposition or send numbers forward when the space to attack opened up.
Former USMNT defender Alexi Lalas claimed postgame that the young team had proven that it ‘can hang with the best.’
USA captain Tyler Adams battles English captain Harry Kane for possession of the ball
However, England full back Kieran Trippier said he understood the jeering from his own supporters.
‘Of course the fans want to see goals and to win matches,’ said Trippier when asked about the mixed reaction.
‘But all I can say to that is that the commitment from the boys is there, we give 100 percent in every single game.
‘Of course we understand the frustration because we didn’t win the game but we gave everything, a point is a good result.
‘The one thing about my team-mates and myself is we give everything, as soon as we cross that white line, we give everything to win.
Kieran Trippier understands why England fans booed them after their 0-0 draw with USA
A tepid display from England saw them manage just one meaningful shot on target
‘Unfortunately, we didn’t win but it’s a good point – we kept a clean sheet, it is a good point for us in the group and we just move on now, focus on the next game.’
There is still work to be done for Gregg Berhlater’s team, however, as it must beat Iran Tuesday to progress to the knockout stages of the tournament.
After two draws against both Wales and England in its first two Group B games, another draw or a loss will not be enough.
Meanwhile, England has all but clinched its spot in the last 16 with its third and final group game coming against neighbors Wales on Tuesday evening, with Rob Page’s men all-but eliminated having lost to Iran and drawn with the United States.
England top Group B heading into the final game and know progress is assured so long as they avoid a 4-0 loss on Tuesday.
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