England, USA prepare for Group C clash

(GSM) – For the first time since a historical upset in 1950, England and the United States will square off in the World Cup as both were paired together in Group C along with Algeria and Slovenia.

The USA, which declared independence from the British crown in 1776, knocked off England 1-0 in Belo Horizonte in group play, but England have won eight of the 10 all-time meetings between the two sides. The most recent meeting was a 2-0 English victory at Wembley Stadium in May 2008.

While many will fancy England’s chances in their opening game against the Americans, former England manager Terry Venables said on British television, “It’s a tough game because…they could out-sprint us. It could be a difficult game for us.”

USA manager Bob Bradley said, “It just creates a huge match. Big for fans, exciting for the players. We look at it simply as a challenge, one we are thrilled to have.”

The opening match between the USA and England will take place on 12 June at Rustenburg’s Royal Bafokeng Stadium, where the USA beat Egypt 3-0 at the Confederations Cup this past summer.

England manager Fabio Capello told the BBC, “Every opponent will be strong because when you play in the World Cup, every game is not easy.

“We have played against US and Slovenia recently at home, and played well and won but when we have to play [in South Africa] in June it will be different.”