England kick off their 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign against the United States in Rustenburg, a city situatied 1500 km above sea level. After the opening couple of games of the World Cup ended in draws, this game could certainly change that pattern. England have defeated the Americans in each of the last three games between the two nations, however, the US were victorious in the only ever game played between them at the World Cup; 1-0 win back in 1950.
Should England manager Fabio Capello decide to deploy a second striker to support Wayne Rooney, Peter Crouch could get the nod ahead of Jermaine Defoe and Emile Heskey. In midfield, new skipper Steven Gerrard should partner Frank Lampard since anchor-man Gareth Barry is still unfit. The wings are likely to be occupied by Joe Cole and either Aaron Lennon or James Milner. At the back, Rio Ferdinand should be replaced by Ledley King, and it will be interesting to see who gets to be in goal. My preference would be David James, simply because of his experience.
For the US, striker Jozy Altidore should start upfront having recovered from an ankle injury. He should be supported in midfield by talisman Landon Donovan, who was named the Best Young Player at the 2002 World Cup. Occupying the wings should be Michael Bradley and former Manchester City player DaMarcus Beasley. Partnering them will be Clint Dempsey, who had a fantastic season with Fulham. Another player to have played for Fulham, Carlos Bocanegra, should start in defense alongside former Manchester United player Jonathan Spector. Tim Howard will be in goal.
It should be an exciting game though there may not be many chances for both sides. I expect England to win, courtesy of a solitary goal.
1 comment:
muahahahaha...it was a tie
n00b ass header by rooney haha
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