England, Netherlands eye last-16 berths at Qatar 2022
England head into their second match of the World Cup against the United States on Friday knowing victory would secure a place in the last 16, while the Netherlands could also qualify for the knockout phase.
Gareth Southgate's men kicked off their campaign with a 6-2 rout of Iran who take on Wales in Friday's first Group B game.
Regardless of the result of that match, England would progress by beating the Americans, but will have to overcome a talented young side and the weight of history.
The USA knocked England out of the 1950 tournament with one of the biggest shocks in World Cups and in 2010 held a star-studded team to a 1-1 draw best remembered for a howler by English goalkeeper Rob Green.
"Have we ever beaten the US at a World Cup? No. Tomorrow we have to try and make history," Southgate told a pre-match press conference.
"We are good at talking highly of ourselves as a nation on very little evidence. We know we will face a very highly motivated team. I don't think we will be underestimating the US at all."
England are still bidding for a first major tournament title in 56 years after losing last year's European Championship final to Italy on penalties.
They were given a boost ahead of the USA game, though, as captain Harry Kane was passed fit despite taking a knock to his ankle against Iran.
Carlos Queiroz's Iran will be out if they lose to Wales, who drew their opener with the US.
Forward Mehdi Taremi, who scored their two goals against England, denied the team had come under pressure from Iran's government after opting not to sing the national anthem before their first game.
"I don't like to talk about political issues but we are not under any pressure," he said.
Wales could put themselves on the brink of qualification