2010 FIFA World Cup Preview: England-United States and the Battle Of Rustenberg

Ever since the World Cup group draw back on Dec. 4, football fans in both England and the United States have looked at one match that will be a defining World Cup match for both nations.

That match is now due to take place in several hours at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenberg as England will face the United States in each nation's opening World Cup match.

Going into this match, England find themselves as a side that will want to get off to a great start as this truly is one of the greatest squads in the history of the Three Lions.

Meanwhile for the United States, they are not at all afraid of England going into this match, as they look to build off of their great success from last June's Confederations Cup.

So now, with this epic World Cup match about to begin, here is my official preview of the World Cup match between England and the United States.

Team News

England

Gareth Barry will not be starting this match due to the ankle injury he suffered several weeks ago, but coach Fabio Capello has stated that Barry could come off the bench late in the match.

Also, goalkeeper David James is battling a fitness battle for this match, as England's number one keeper is trying to starve off his knee injury to play in Rustenberg.

United States

For the Americans, coach Bob Bradley has declared that Jozy Altidore will be starting up top after getting over an ankle injury over the last week.

Also, AC Milan defender and Confederations Cup star Oguchi Onyewu has been declared fit and could start this match after suffering a patellar tendon rupture in the final World Cup qualifier for the United States against Costa Rica.

What is on the line

England

The belief that England could win the World Cup is truly on the line in this match. Right now, England believe they could win the World Cup, and what better way to show that they could do this than by beating the United States!

United States

To continue the spirit of the 1950 World Cup upset against England, the United States will truly show that they are a capable nation on the world's stage in this World Cup, and a win here will also show that American soccer can compete with anyone.

Key Players

England

Without question, the player to watch for England will be Wayne Rooney. The Manchester United star will be looking for his first World Cup goal in this match.

If Rooney plays like he did in February and March for England here in Rustenberg, there will be no way how England could lose.

United States

After a disappointing World Cup in 2006, Landon Donovan has become a much better footballer and can compete against anyone.

Now, he will need to play his best against England if the United States are to have any chance of winning here.

What each side must do to win

England

England must be able to expose and capitalize on the United States defense that can stop even the best in the world (just ask Spain after their semifinal defeat in the Confederations Cup to the USA).

But also, England must not get too many men forward and must make sure that they are not allowing the Americans to dictate play in any way.

United States

For the USA, they will need to put together a masterful defensive effort here if they are to win.

But more importantly, the Yanks must work to perfection on their counterattacks, as England will hold possession for most of the match.

Biggest key to victory

England

Just come out of the gates hard and never stop pressing. If that is done, there will be no way how England could lose.

United States

Just get Tim Howard to have a man of the match performance similar to his perfect play against Spain last June.

Projected Lineups

England (4-4-2)

                                                      James

                  Johnson            King                     Terry                  A Cole 

                  Lennon          Lampard                  Gerrard                 J Cole  

                                      Rooney                   Heskey

United States (4-4-2)

                                       Altidore                 Buddle

              Dononvan              Clark                  Bradley                 Dempsey

             Bocanegra            Onyewu                DeMerit                 Spector

                                                    Howard

X-Factor

The x-factor in this match will be American striker Edson Buddle.

After going seven years without a cap, Buddle has emerged as a hot goalscorer who could lead the US to victory.

But of course, Buddle and Altidore are players of the same mold as big, physical players, something that appears to be a detriment to the Americans on the attack.

Prediction

Despite England's great attack, they will have some problems against this American defense that will shut down Wayne Rooney for most of the match.

However, Rooney will get a crucial late goal and lead England to a 2-1 win over the United States.