USA warns England of danger in World Cup opener

Sixty years after the United States stunned England 1-0 in the first round of the World Cup, the Americans will meet the British stars once again on football's biggest stage in 2010 at South Africa.

And just hours after the World Cup draw at Cape Town set up the emotional match-up, the Americans were warning the English that they play best when the challenge is greatest.

"It gives us a great opportunity to challenge ourselves in the first game," US coach Bob Bradley said. "We believe in playing our game, playing our tempo. We have the kind of players that can be dangerous against very good teams."

The US-England game at Rustenburg comes on June 12, the second day of the 32-team event, with England a favourite after a 2-0 home friendly win over the Americans last May took their all-time record against the US squad to 7-2.

"Are we as talented as England? Probably not," US playmaker Landon Donovan said. "But we feel that on a given day we have a chance to beat them."

US captain Carlos Bocanegra said his squad will learn from a poor showing against England in May last year and become even more familiar with a side they know well.

"Technically, yeah, maybe we're not as great as England. But technique is not a thing that wins games," Bocanegra said.

"We've played them a few times. We're familiar with their players already. We will get more familiar with them, their tendencies and Bob and the coaching staff will have us prepared. Hopefully we get started off on the right foot."

Donovan could be on the pitch against England star David Beckham, the Los Angeles Galaxy teammate he called out earlier this year for poor work ethic, leadership and treatment of his team-mates.

The two settled their differences, Donovan went on be Major League Soccer's Most Valuable Player while Beckham helped the Galaxy reach the MLS final and he will return to AC Milan ahead of England's World Cup run.

"To play against your own team-mate is pretty incredible," Donovan said. "It should be a lot of fun."

Donovan said he had not yet sent a message to Beckham after the draw but warned its contents could include "maybe a little bit of smack talk".

"The idea of playing England is quite exciting," Donovan said. "It creates a huge match, exciting for fans and a challenge for the players.

"There are a lot of Brits and English people in America. You didn't grow up playing without being influenced at some point by someone British. There's a lot of Americans and a lot of English that are very excited about this game.

"England has to be our focus right now."

The group also includes Algeria and Slovenia, two sides the Americans have never faced and, Donovan admitted, know little about.

"I certainly don't overlook them," Donovan said. "I know on paper it seems like a better draw than what we had last time but that all goes out the window when the matches start."

After a humbling first-round exit from the 2006 World Cup, Donovan has great expectations for the US team this time.

"The expectation around fans is we've got a good chance to advance," Donovan said. "Those of us who were there in 2006, we have been waiting for this opportunity. This is everything to me."