England aiming to make their mark on US
Saturday, 12 June 2010
RUSTENBURG, June 11 (AFP): England have been urged to lay down a World Cup marker when they take on the United States in their opening Group C match here on Saturday.
Steven Gerrard, who will captain the side in the absence of the injured Rio Ferdinand, believes Fabio Capello's squad are ready to make a major impression on the tournament and the Liverpool midfielder underlined the importance of a positive start.
"The first game is always important," he said. "It is important to stamp your mark on the tournament and let everyone know what you are about."
Well-organised and resilient, the Americans represent England's toughest opponents in a group that also includes Slovenia and Algeria.
"They are a good side but if we can get off to a good start and take maximum points I think everyone will take note," Gerrard added.
"As a team the USA are very hard-working, very fit and physical. They will be trying to deny us time and space on the ball.
"They know we have quality on the ball. We are expecting to be pressed really quickly. I'm sure it will be a good physical battle but we are very confident we can win the match.
"I'm sure they are a lot more worried about us."
An impressive run of nine wins from ten qualifiers, during which they scored 34 goals, had raised hopes that, with the benefit of Capello's winning pedigree, England will be able to go beyond the quarter-final barrier at which they fell in the last two World Cups.
The performances in friendly wins over Mexcio and Japan have been some way short of convincing, the loss of Ferdinand is a significant one and Gareth Barry, a pivotal player under Capello, will not be risked Saturday, having only just recovered from an ankle injury.
The United States' quality was underlined by their run to the final of last year's Confederations Cup in South Africa and AC Milan defender Oguchi Onyewu dismissed suggestions that Bob Bradley's squad would happily settle for a draw.
Steven Gerrard, who will captain the side in the absence of the injured Rio Ferdinand, believes Fabio Capello's squad are ready to make a major impression on the tournament and the Liverpool midfielder underlined the importance of a positive start.
"The first game is always important," he said. "It is important to stamp your mark on the tournament and let everyone know what you are about."
Well-organised and resilient, the Americans represent England's toughest opponents in a group that also includes Slovenia and Algeria.
"They are a good side but if we can get off to a good start and take maximum points I think everyone will take note," Gerrard added.
"As a team the USA are very hard-working, very fit and physical. They will be trying to deny us time and space on the ball.
"They know we have quality on the ball. We are expecting to be pressed really quickly. I'm sure it will be a good physical battle but we are very confident we can win the match.
"I'm sure they are a lot more worried about us."
An impressive run of nine wins from ten qualifiers, during which they scored 34 goals, had raised hopes that, with the benefit of Capello's winning pedigree, England will be able to go beyond the quarter-final barrier at which they fell in the last two World Cups.
The performances in friendly wins over Mexcio and Japan have been some way short of convincing, the loss of Ferdinand is a significant one and Gareth Barry, a pivotal player under Capello, will not be risked Saturday, having only just recovered from an ankle injury.
The United States' quality was underlined by their run to the final of last year's Confederations Cup in South Africa and AC Milan defender Oguchi Onyewu dismissed suggestions that Bob Bradley's squad would happily settle for a draw.