The fifth fixture of the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa will be the match between England and United States at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. England are considered favourites in Group C with the United States also expected to advance with them. A natural animosity has grown between the teams, although they have not met in the World Cup since 1950 when the Americans pulled off a stunning 1:0 upset.
England - World Champion in 1966 - have drawn worldwide attention as many notable professionals are backing them to take the trophy this year. A relatively easy Group C should see the Brits through to the knockout stages with ease. Slovenia, Algeria and United States can hardly be considered stiff competition and England should emerge top of the group after 3 games.
The Three Lions showed they are a capable squad after gliding through qualification with seeming ease. Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are the backbone of the attack with John Terry and Ledley King bringing up the rear. The United States qualified as top side in the CONCACAF and have been showing positive signs in their warm-up campaign to the World Cup. Their last two matches were 2-1 and 3-1 victories over Turkey and Australia, respectively. Striker Edson Buddle earned his first cap against Australia and responded by scoring a brace. The young player will surely be an important part of Bob Bradley's plans for this match. Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey have proven themselves top-level players in domestic competitions this year and will lead
the Yankees with their vast experience.
Group C: England - United States Date: 12 June, 2010 - 20:30 CET
Stadium: Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg
Referee: Carlos Simon (Brazil)
England: Keeper: David James
Defenders: John Terry, Ledley King, Glen Johnson, Ashley Cole
Midfielders: Frank Lampard, James Milner, Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips
Forwards: Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard
Coach: Fabio Capello
Injured:
Booked:
United States: Keeper: Tim Howard
Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra, Jay DeMerit, Oguchi Onyewu, Steve Cherundolo
Midfielders: Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Jose Francisco Torres
Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Edson Buddle
Coach: Bob Bradley
Injured:
Booked:
England have not played a regulation match in South Africa yet and their last warmup match was in Austria. For the past couple months, many players have been sleeping in
high altitude tents that simulate the air pressure in South Africa. The squad has been training at their pitch for a few weeks now and should be adapted to the climate. The United States have a small advantage in that they played a friendly match against Australia last week in South Africa, with positive results.
Last meeting: 28.05.2008, England – United States 2:0
Wins England: 3
Wins United States: 2
Draws: 0
The injury of captain Rio Ferdinand and their poor performance against Japan last week have left many English fans speculative of the team's form. The United States are approaching top form after consecutive victories against competitive teams. This will be a phyiscal and tightly contested match but in the end England will have too much class for the Yanks. Expect an England win, but not by a wide margin.
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