World Cup 2010 South Africa: England versus the USA

The match kicked off at around 7.30pm UK time on 12th June 2010. Such was the anticipation that there had been a run to the shops for everyone and a power surge prior the match. Last minute meals, drinks and Internet activity left most computers stalled and the national grid with a huge switch on.

England manager Fabio Capello is reported as having stated, prior this match, that he expected England to win this match. There was nothing such as bragging in this remark. It was simply the assertion of a confident manager. After all if he does not have faith in the team that he picked and has nurtured who the hell will.

So this first World Cup 2010 for both the USA and England is now over and what was the result. An uninspiring draw. Sure there were some sharp intake of breath moments but on the whole no charisma, flair or stand out performances.

The USA had researched their English opponents well and star player Wayne Rooney was well marked throughout the game. His powerful marker had the height, strength and speed that at times Wayne did not. However Rooney did play well.

I guess it is just the same old England playing the same old game.

Peter Crouch was brought on toward the end of the game but probably too late. Heskey who he replaces had played exceptionally well. However Heskey looked done in and one thing Crouch has is the height often necessary for heading goals into the back of the net. Sadly it was not to be. With four minutes extra time it even seemed possible that the USA might score a late goal.

Perhaps the England squad and the press had underestimated the USA.

The Americans always like to do everything to their utmost ability and this showed in tonight's match. They fought wee. So much so that Gerrard's early England goal remained the only one. The USA's goal could have been down to the English goal keeper's lack of experience but that belittle their goal. They deserved at least one goal and in some ways the 1-1 result was a fair ending.

However where does this leave England?

It is still early days for the competition but a confidence boost today would have been brilliant. As it is they will no doubt face a sever ear bashing from Capello after the match and uncertainty for the next few days at least. Will Capello change the main team members? Perhaps.

However with so many English footballers suffering injuries in the past he needs to ensure that the team keep fit and healthy. With such an under achieving performance he cannot afford to lose one of his star players such as Rooney, Gerrard, Heskey or Crouch.

So for now it has to be congratulations to the USA and a big well done. It should be for England also but with expectations being so much higher there is a muted congratulations.

To the fans though England need your support more than ever. Keep the faith and your enthusiasm and try to think onwards and upwards.