England starts their World Cup 2010 mission with the match against United States on 12 June. The Three Lions would love to have a winning start, but given USA’s form in the recent years, more specifically in FIFA Confederations Cup where they reached the final, it would not be an easy job for the England players.
However, US defense has been a matter of worry for coach Bob Bradley following shaky performance of their back four in the recent friendly matches. USA conceded 6 goals in their last 3 friendly fixtures.
Who between Jay DeMerit and Oguchi Onyewu would partner captain Carlos Bocanegra at the heart of the defense would be a big question for Bradley. Onyewu has just retuned to action after recovering from his long-term injury and the AC Milan player could not yet get his rhythm back. Bornstein would be on the left back, while Cherundolo is most likely to be featured on the right back position.
England players, specially the attacking line up, would be happy to see USA’s shaky defending and it suggest players like Rooney, Lampard and Gerrard could open the US floodgate in the match.
However, England also has their fare share of worry ahead of the match. In the recent friendly matches, England was not even close to their imperious form that they displayed during their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Sloppy passing and ordinary defending were even vivid in England’s latest 3-0 warm-up victory against Platinum Stars. Glen Johnson on the right back has put some poor show in the recent matches, giving some scary feelings in the English camp.
In the midfield, Lampard and Gerrard both have attacking intent. So, it is a question that in the absence of Gareth Barry who would play the defensive role. If Capello deploys Milner or Carrick as holding midfielder, then he might have to play with a lone striker which may not be a good idea, given that Rooney needs to operate freely in the area with a striker up front.
Moreover, giving the defensive role to Gerrard may take its toll on England attack. In fact, the Liverpool star has recently shown that he along with Rooney could make a lethal combination in attack.
USA has very good attacking options. The players like Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore could fully capitalize on any shaky performance by England defenders.
Prediction: England 2- 0 USA
Considering all the factors, it could be a 2-0 victory for England. With Rooney, Gerrard and Lampard at the core, England has top class attacking line up. Given USA’s shaky defending in the recent matches, England could open scoring without facing much trouble. On England defense, Glen Johnson has quality and talent to give a rock solid performance, even though his recent form indicates something different.
Bullocks!
ReplyDeleteUSA qualified from a poor quality North and central America zone.England beat Mexico 3-1 a couple of weeks ago.Mexico qualified with USA and Honduras from there zone.I watched Czech republic beat USA 4-2.While you cant learn much from these matches I think England would be to strong for the USA.Tim Howard the USA goalkeeper will be the most over worked man on the pitch.The confederations cup does not count for alot.Gerrard,Rooney,Lampard,Terry,Asley Cole and Joe Cole are World class players.Donavon is a good player but not world class.As a Premeir league player I would rate Donavon as 6 out of 10.Tim Howard the keeper is there best player he could yet save the USA.England will win the group While USA,Algeria and Slovenia will battle for second place.If anyone can get a point off of matches against England they will be favorites to come group runners up and qualifiy with England for the round of last 16.I predict England 4 USA 0.
ReplyDeleteEngland is a better team as thier from from the ELP and given the task for USA it would b hard job but nothings immpossible , well Usa beat New Zealand 3-1 in the warm -up match and Donovan is good
ReplyDeleteSo we will see soon
My bets Eng 3 USA 1
Good Luck
Maps fiji
Most of the side has or does play in the English Premiership and know their opposition like the back of their hands, this is a factor again I believe the bookies are under estimating when I saw the pricing of this game.
ReplyDeleteEngland are a classy side but given how organised America are and the lack of fear they have towards England, we could see another famous result for the US.
However come the end of the game I believe that it will be Capello’s side will just have too much as the English depart Rustenburg with a small marginal victory very likely.