USA vs. England World Cup Preview

In 1950, the United States shocked England 1-0 in a World Cup match, a game that has been fondly referred to as the “Miracle on Grass” and one that has been portrayed in both book and film form. Now, 60 years later, the U.S. Men’s National Team is looking for a repeat.

The 2010 version is also hotly anticipated, as ESPN has billed the match “the biggest game of the World Cup.” There is much more than a game at stake, as the winner between the two will most likely determine who wins Group C. The United States seems to have the upper hand in momentum, as it has put up two solid wins in its final games before World Cup action, defeating its opponents 5-2.

But things haven’t been looking so hot for England. While it recorded wins versus Japan and the South African club Platinum Stars, it looked uninspired on the field for long stretches and failed to create many attacking chances. 

However, with head coach Fabio Capello, England comes into the World Cup as one of the favorites to win the Jules Rimet Trophy, which is given to the winner of the World Cup. 

Capello has won a championship in seven of his 16 seasons as a coach, and if not for a referee scandal, he would have nine titles. His chances for winning the World Cup only increase due to the strong squad he has put together, featuring forwards Wayne Rooney and Peter Crouch, midfielders Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, and defenders Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, among others. Center defender Ferdinand, who was set to captain the English side, suffered a knee ligament injury in the squad’s first training session and was forced to withdraw from the squad. Michael Dawson replaced him.

Also benefiting the English is Rooney’s play as of late, scoring 26 goals this past season for Manchester United and 34 goals in all competitions. He has a unique skill set, able to score from far or close, with his head or with his feet, and he has the speed to get by even some of the fastest defenders. 

However, England’s defense, once a solid point for the team, has suffered greatly due to Ferdinand’s injury, and the United States will look to exploit this chink in the British armor. However, injuries are never something teams, even rivals, like to focus on.

“I’m devastated for him (Ferdinand) as well, as I’m sure most of his friends and his teammates are,” U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard said. “How will it affect the team? I don’t know. I think they’re all very strong characters, and as the week goes on they’ll be fully prepared. We’ve had a good teammate of ours go down and not make the World Cup. That was a little while ago, but it still hurts.”

However, it could prove to be a breaking point for the England squad, as several U.S. players have exhibited strength against weaker defenders.

Last year, Jozy Altidore proved he could out-muscle his opponents when he took the Spanish defense to task in the United States’ shock 2-0 victory during the Confederations Cup, and half a season in England with Hull F.C. should help him once kickoff begins. Add to that the wide play from Clint Dempsey and U.S. captain Landon Donovan, and the English defense will have its hands full.

Only time will tell who leaves “The Revolutionary War: Round 2” victorious, but either way, the United States will go in confident.

“If we didn’t believe that we could, why would we be here? It wouldn’t be right,” U.S. midfielder Clint Dempsey said. “I shouldn’t be part of this team if I didn’t feel we can do something special. Every time you put on the U.S. jersey, you should think you can do a good job. If you don’t, you shouldn’t be here.”