England manager Gareth Southgate labelled centre-backs Harry Maguire and John Stones "absolutely outstanding" after their 0-0 draw with the United States.
It was a frustrating night for the Three Lions in Qatar as they failed to build on their 6-2 thrashing of Iran on Monday. But Southgate reserved praise for his chosen central defensive duo after they withstood a barrage of American pressure to keep a clean sheet.
But it wasn't just the defensive efforts which caught Southgate's eye as he pinpointed Maguire and Stones' ability to play through American's aggressive press to advance the ball.
"Our two centre-backs were absolutely outstanding on the ball," Southgate said. "To play with such composure against that pressing was unbelievable."
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England's ability to keep a clean sheet also drew praise from captain Harry Kane at full-time. Speaking to ITV Sport, he admitted being frustrated with their display but hailed their performance at the back.
Kane said: "Wasn't the best performance for sure. Good spells with the ball, but we didn't quite have the final product. Clean sheet puts us in a great position in the group.
"They pressed well, they made it difficult. At times we dealt with it well, we respect them. A draw isn't bad for us. We look forward to the next one.
"We know we can play better than that, a draw in a World Cup isn't bad, no game is easy. After our first performance people think we'll landslide everything but it's not the case. We played a good side but it's not what we came here for."
Maguire himself was also pleased with their defensive efforts having had a far tougher test than they faced against Iran. He told BBC Radio Five Live: "It was a good battle. Obviously I prefer it when we're 4-0 up like against Iran, it is easier then.
"It was a challenging game, they caused us little problems. We knew we had to defend the box well and we had a lot of corners to defend. That is why I'm in the team, to defend the goal and we did that well.
"This team has a great record of keeping clean sheets. It is something we work on and take pride in. It is disappointing not to score or win the game, but I'm sure we'll improve for the future."
