England aiming to make their mark on US

RUSTENBURG: England have been urged to lay down a World Cup marker when they take on the US in their opening Group C match today.

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. Well-organised and resilient, the Americans represent England’s toughest opponents in a group that also includes Slovenia and Algeria.

An impressive run of nine wins from ten qualifiers had raised hopes that England will be able to go beyond the quarter-final barrier at which they fell in the last two World Cups. But the recent weeks have not been encouraging for the tens of thousands of England fans who have flown into South Africa.

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 today, having only just recovered from an ankle injury.

Published in the Express Tribune, June 12^th, 2010.