An England-USA matchup in the quarterfinals promised two teams loaded with attacking talent, and also two teams missing some stand-out performers. English talisman Jadon Sancho was recalled by his club, Borussia Dortmund, and handed his professional debut, while midfield stalwart Chris Goslin missed the game for the U.S. due to yellow card accumulation. Still, both teams headed into the game having already impressed in the tournament, and fully believing they had the quality to make the last four of the tournament.
This young USMNT is known for its potent attack that often makes up for a dearth of defenders, but that Achilles Heel was exposed by England almost immediately.