Read a full match preview of the World Cup 2010 Group C game between England and USA at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenberg on Saturday June 12 2010, kick-off 17.30 BST.

Group C
England v USA
Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg
Kick-off: Sat June 12, 7.30pm BST.
TV: ITV1 7pm, ITV HD 7pm

England are without Gareth Barry through injury for their opening game, while Ledley King will replace Rio Ferdinand, ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury.

The identities of Fabio Capello’s first choice goalkeeper and front-line striker remain shrouded in doubt, though David James seems out of contention for the former position.

The USA are rather more settled, with Jozy Altidore – a confirmed starter after just one goal in his season at Hull - likely to replace Robbie Findlay, despite the latter’s speed, after Edson Buddle seemed to cement his place in the line-up by scoring twice in last week’s warm-up game with Australia.

Touchline duel

Fabio Capello v Bob Bradley: On paper, the former Chicago Fire coach should not stand a chance of outwitting the Italian, one of the most decorated coaches in world football. Bradley, though, has grown into his role since replacing Bruce Arena – initially on an interim basis – in 2006, despite the US Soccer Federation only appointing him after talks with Jurgen Klinsmann stalled.

The United States’ impressive showing in last summer’s Confederations Cup, particularly, buffed Bradley’s reputation as a fine motivator.

Key clash

Wayne Rooney v Jay DeMerit: DeMerit finished his season leaving Watford, where he had spent the last six years of his career, and Rooney now faces the task of getting the better of a defender hoping a good World Cup will earn him a move to a new club.

Rooney will certainly fancy his chances, of course, although DeMerit’s work will no doubt be shared by the equally uncompromising US national captain, Carlos Bocanegra, formerly of Fulham.

Tactical Battle

Capello’s plans for the game have been hampered by Gareth Barry’s injury troubles, meaning the Italian is likely to field a central midfield pairing of Steven Gerrard, his third captain in four months, and Frank Lampard.

If the United States are to repeat their remarkable win against England in the 1950 tournament, they must hope that Michael Bradley, the coach’s son, can exploit any weakness in the highly-rated pair’s understanding.

What they said

Fabio Capello: “England are ready for this match. The first game is always hard because expectation levels are really big. But we have been here eight days, training has gone very well and we are confident. We know the expectation levels of the fans are really good. But I am sure the team can reach the final.”

Bob Bradley: “I would concede stopping [Wayne] Rooney is the key to our chances of success. He is such an important player in their team. He comes here off a super season. Our ability to keep track of him and make life hard for him is a key part of us making sure we can win.”

Teams

England (4-4-2): Hart; Johnson, King, Terry, A Cole; Lennon, Gerrard, Lampard, J Cole; Rooney, Crouch
USA (4-4-2): Howard; Spector, DeMerit, Bocanegra, Cherundolo; Dempsey, Bradley, Torres, Donovan; Altidore, Buddl
Referee: Carlos Simon (Brazil)

Previous meetings

P9: England 7, Draws 0, USA 2

1950 (Belo Horizonte, WC): England 0 USA 1
1953 (New York, friendly): USA 3 England 6
1959 (Los Angeles, friendly): USA 1 England 8
1964 (New York, friendly): USA 0 England 10
1985 (Los Angeles, friendly): USA 0 England 5
1993 (Boston, friendly): USA 2 England 0
1994 (London, friendly): England 2 USA 0
2005 (Chicago, friendly): USA 1 England 2
2008 (London, friendly): England 2 USA 0

Fact: England have lost just one of their last eight opening World Cup fixtures – against Portugal in 1986. Of the other seven, England have won four and drawn three.

Prediction: USA will be up for it, England should be stronger, but they rarely start well, so this has draw written all over it.