Laura Woods left 'pinching herself' after Graeme Souness' surprise on-air comments on ITV

Laura Woods was left "pinching herself" after being surprised by Graeme Souness' praise for England on ITV.

The Three Lions played out an underwhelming stalemate with the United States in their second Group B clash, delivering an uninspiring performance in the 0-0 draw.

Gareth Southgate has been slammed for his substitutions in the game and the fact he left Manchester City wonderkid Phil Foden on the bench for the full 90 minutes.

After banging in six goals against Iran on Monday, England didn't look much of a threat going forward and were sluggish in midfield.

But proud Scot Souness decided to be the voice of reason and says there shouldn't be too much of an overreaction following the result.

“This is rich coming from a Scotsman, I wouldn’t be too hard on your team [England]. I think you’re up against a really good USA team," he said on ITV's coverage of France vs Denmark.

“I was watching the game last night looking at them. You know when you watch teams that come into soccer, football, late, they didn’t look like that last night. There’s a naivety to teams that are new to this level of football.

“I thought the USA looked like a really experienced team with pedigree. I thought they were really, really good last night. I wouldn’t be too hard on yourselves.

"That was a good team you were playing and I have to say it, it’s not just English teams that do it, British teams do it: ‘We’ve only drawn with the USA’. Give them credit, they’re a really good team right now.”

Image: Alamy

It's not often that Souness praises England and his comments prompted presenter Woods to reply, “I just have to pinch myself because I think that was a compliment from Graeme Souness to England.”

The Liverpool legend joked that he wouldn't be allowed back in Scotland for Christmas.

Despite the poor display, England are still on course to qualify for the round of 16 and will top the group if they beat Wales.

Only a defeat by four goals will see the Three Lions sent him from the Qatar showpiece.

Topics: Laura Woods, Graeme Souness, England

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@joshlawless_