Match Preview: England v USA

June 1950: Part time footballer part time dishwasher Joe Gaetjens gave the USA their most famous victory in a world cup group match, which saw favourites England eliminated from the competition. Now 60 years later, England fans will be hoping that history does not repeat itself as England once again line up with the pre-tournament favourites.

England boss Fabio Capello is likey to stay tight lipped over his starting XI until tomorrow, although it is expected that he will favour Robert Green over David James in goal.

Indicators from a training session held within the England camp yesterday seem to suggest a John Terry and Ledley King partnership in defence, and the inclusion of Emile Heskey alongside Wayne Rooney up front.

Gareth Barry will miss tomorrow's game against the USA leaving Capello with a dilema over the midfield.  It is believed that Captain Steven Gerrard will move into central midfield where he will partner Frank Lampard, with Joe Cole starting on the left and Aaron Lennon on the right.

USA manager Bob Bradley has a tough decision to make over the fitness of two key players.  Defender Oguchi Onyewu only made his comeback for the USA in their defeat against the Czech Republic a fortnight ago, and is still not fully fit after suffering a ruptured knee tendon in October 2009.  A second injury worry for Bradley is striker Jozy Altidore, although he is now back in full training after suffering a sprained ankle.  In-form striker Edson Buddle could partner him up front.

England have been seeded as group favourites, with all eyes watching them and expecting qualification to the next stage.  However, that doesn't worry American goalkeeper Tim Howard, who told the BBC the USA were prepared to "fight and claw" to gain victory over England tomorrow.  It seems there is some truth to it as well, as the shirt designed for the USA for tomorrow's game was based on that of the white one worn in victory over England during the 1950 World Cup.  Any attempt to psych England out however has failed.  As England are officially the home side at Rustenburg tomorrow it is they who shall be wearing white, with the USA forced into their change strip.

Capello expects nothing less than 100% commitment from his boys tomorrow.  England players have been shown video messages of support from our Armed Forces in Afghanistan in an attempt to get them mentally psyched for tomorrow's game.

Kick off: 19:30 BST Saturday 12th June 2010