What: 2010 FIFA World Cup
Who: England vs United States (Group C)
When: Saturday 12th June, 2010, at 19:30 UK Time
Where: Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa

Finding That Qualifying Groove

England enjoyed a spectacular World Cup qualifying campaign, losing only to Ukraine in their last match, having already sealed top spot in their group. With Fabio Capello at the helm, the Three Lions have been transformed from a strong side that tends to fail to deliver in the biggest matches, to a well-rounded and confident group.

After that very impressive qualifying campaign however, England have found their form stuttering at the wrong time. Despite winning their last three friendly matches, the Three Lions have lost a little of their decisiveness and killer instinct, labouring to unimpressive victories over Mexico, Japan and South African side the Platinum Stars.

With Rio Ferdinand and Gareth Barry unavailable due to injury, England have been forced to reshuffle their line-up and readjust to new players being incorporated into the setup. Chemistry has suffered because of the sudden need for change, and rediscovering their World Cup qualifying form is vital if the Three Lions are to triumph against the United States.


Quietly Confident Dark Horses

When speaking about the United States, football is certainly not the first sport associated with the nation, but despite the lack of attention garnered by the Yanks, Bob Bradley’s boys comfortably qualified for the World Cup, finishing first in their section.

The United States’ last participation in a major international competition was in the Confederations Cup, where they recovered from two heavy losses to Italy and Brazil early in the tournament, en route to a runners-up finish. Most impressively, the Stars and Stripes beat Spain in the semi final, ending La Roja’s impressive 35-game unbeaten streak.

Although the United States threw away a 2-0 half-time lead against Brazil to eventually lose 3-2, the Yanks proved that they are fully capable of shocking some of the best in world football. On the back of wins over Turkey and Australia in their last two friendlies as well, Bob Bradley’s side will be confident of making a real contest when they clash with England.

Recent form

England:
England 3-1 Mexico (24/05; Friendly)
England 2-1 Japan (30/05; Friendly)
England 3-0 Platinum Stars (07/06; Friendly)

USA:
USA 2-4 Czech Republic (26/05; Friendly)
USA 2-1 Turkey (29/05; Friendly)
USA 3-1 Australia (05/06; Friendly)


Players to watch

England – Wayne Rooney: The English sensation has just come off an incredible season with Manchester United, scoring 34 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions. If the Three Lions are to triumph, expect Wayne Rooney to have his fingerprints all over the match.

United States – Landon Donovan: Having recently shown his worth in the Premier League after a successful loan spell with Everton, the LA Galaxy attacker has shed his reputation for failing to perform at the highest levels, and is ready to prove himself on the ultimate stage, the World Cup.

Match prediction

The England squad may be reeling from the late shock injury to Rio Ferdinand, and the fitness problems of Gareth Barry, but the Three Lions have more than enough quality to handle the threat of the United States. With Fabio Capello surely having his side fully prepared for what is the biggest threat in the group as well, England will prevail 3-1, in what may not be a pretty win, but an efficient one.

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