At the 2010 football World Cup England will have good reason to fear the United States. They have not played each other in a competitive fixture for 60 years. The result that day is still considered to be one of the biggest shocks in the history of the game.
1950 - England 0 USA 1
England faced the States in their second Group match at the 1950 World Cup in Brazil. Having already defeated Chile 2-0, England were confident of beating the unfancied Americans with ease. After all, England boasted some of the best players on the planet, including Stan Mortensen, Tom Finney and Wilf Mannion. However, despite intense English pressure, a first half goal set up by America's inspirational captain Walter Bahr and finished by Joseph Gaetjens was enough to win the match. The result still haunts English football to this day. The USA finished bottom of the group, but the reputation of that team was enshrined forever.
1953 - USA 3 England 6
England took a measure of revenge three years later when they scored six at Yankee Stadium in front of around 7000 fans. Tom Finney and Nat Lofthouse bagged a pair each while Rolf Decker grabbed a couple for the States.
1959 - USA 1 England 8
The Wrigley Stadium in LA was the venue as England drilled eight past the hapless Americans in an effort to bury their 1950 humiliation. 21-year-old Bobby Charlton, arguably England's best player ever, scored a hat-trick after Ed Murphy had given the USA an eerily familiar early lead.
1964 - USA 0 England 10
Apparently still angry, England hit double figures at the Downing Stadium in NYC. Roger Hunt, who went on to star in England's 1966 World Cup winning side, scored four.
1985 - USA 0 England 5
One year before claiming the Golden Boot at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, Gary Lineker scored two in this one-sided LA friendly.
1993 - USA 2 England 0
Even though this was 'only' a friendly in Boston, everyone expected England to win comfortably. It was not to be. This was not the nadir of Graham Taylor's time as England manager, but it wasn't far off. With a team that included John Barnes, Gary Pallister, Paul Ince and Carlton Palmer, England were embarrassed by a spirited USA performance. Thomas Dooley scored in the first half, before Alexi Lalas, a player notable for his fiery hair and beard, headed a second late on. The newspapers in England were predictably apopleptic.
1994 - England 2 USA 0
This was the USA's first game at Wembley and the strength of the nation was quickly improving. Their side included Brad Friedel, Claudio Reyna and Cobi Jones, but two goals from Alan Shearer ensured victory for Terry Venables' team.
2005 - USA 1 England 2
England fielded a slightly experimental line-up for this game in Chicago. Kieran Richardson, now at Sunderland and some way out of the England picture, scored twice - one a spectacular free kick. Clint Dempsey replied for the States who perhaps deserved a draw.
2008 - England 2 USA 0
This final game between the sides to date was at Wembley. It wasn't a classic by any means, although David Beckham was awarded a golden cap before the game as he passed 100 games for his country. It was Beckham who set up John Terry for the first goal, while Steven Gerrard buried the second after the break.
The next time these two nations meet is at the 2010 football World Cup in South Africa. It will be a tight game and many expect England to win - but do not forget that when it comes to competitive matches, the USA have a 100% record against the English.
For an assessment of England's chances this year and some betting tips, click below:
- Can England Win the World Cup in South Africa?
- 2010 World Cup Tips - The Best Long Shot Bets in South Africa
- 2010 World Cup Predictions and Betting Tips
Daniel Trelfer - I'm a freelance writer and also work in television on and off. I'm looking forward to exploring a range of my interests at Suite 101, ...
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