1. Limp Lions lucky to draw with USA

England were unrecognisable from the team that thrashed Iran – and were lucky to get a point.

The United States were the more energetic, more motivated and more organised side.
At times, they outplayed England’s so-called stars who just couldn’t get going.
Unlucky to hit the woodwork, the Americans also missed gilt-edged chances in a dominant first half.

Tyler Adams and Christian Pulisic ran Gareth Southgate’s men ragged.

It says it all when lumbering defender Harry Maguire was England’s best player.
Booed off at the end, the Lions must rediscover their mojo before their Battle of Britain clash with Wales.

On this display there’s no guarantee they’ll get through.

2. Yanks have hex over England

The impressive Americans maintained their hex over England at World Cups.
Having beaten them in 1950 and drawn in 2010, the Three Lions hold no fear for the so-called underdogs.

Indeed, the only thing that let the Americans down was their finishing.

Christian Pulisic – a different player to the one that struggles with Chelsea – came closest when he hit the woodwork in the first half.

Pulisic’s running and tantalising corners had England on edge and must have shocked Blues’ fans with his all-round game.

Equally troubling was Tyler Adams, the non-stop Leeds United midfielder who must also have added millions to his transfer value.

If they can just convert their chances, they should go through.

3. Iran let their feet do the singing

Iran’s footballers are the World Cup’s latest heroes.

Despite huge pressures both at home and in the tournament, they beat Wales and could now reach the knockout stage.

Having been thrashed by England, when they met Wales yesterday, a premature exit was not the only danger they faced.

Their refusal to sing the national anthem before their first game had left them exposed to the wrath of their government in the current crackdown.

The arrest of Varia Ghafouri, a player left behind, was a warning to the team in Qatar to abandon any thoughts of further protest.

So the team responded by half-heartedly mouthing the words. Some mumbled, some were silent: there were no Pavarottis.

However, they found their voice at kickoff.

4. Welsh dragon well and truly slain

It was Iran who breathed fire – the Welsh dragon merely whimpered.

Two late strikes by Roozbeh Chesani and Ramin Rezaein capped a thrilling performance.

Incredibly, after their 6-2 loss to England, they could go through if they beat old foes USA.

Wales must beat England to avoid an early exit after a 64-year wait.

Keeper Wayne Hennessey committed hara-kiri with a kung-fu kick while so-called superstars, Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, just didn’t turn up.

Five-times Champions League winner Bale was voted the game’s worst player in a BBC poll.

5. Qatar players can’t match their stadiums

Qatar’s stadiums look like they’ve landed from outer space; their players look out of their depth.

A second defeat in a row saw them become the earliest hosts to be knocked out.

At least they scored – through Mohammed Muntari – and battled bravely.

But Senegal gave Africa some cheer and themselves a chance. They must beat Ecuador to progress while the Netherlands face Qatar – surely a foregone conclusion.

The Dutch and South Americans shared the points with Enner Valencia equalising for Ecuador before being carried off.

The ex-West Ham striker is the leading scorer in the tournament with three goals and will be needed for the decider against Senegal.