England – USA Preview: United by language, divided by football (soccer)

Op-Ed: England v USA – is snobbery rather than principle behind criticism of the Rooney testimonial?

A fixture that has not been played since the 2010 World Cup; a nation still trying to find its new identity, and the return of a legend. Thursday night is set to be an epic.

England and America might be united by language, but in terms of football the two couldn’t be further apart.

Two nations, two tales

The Three Lions are still riding high on their World Cup run in the summer where Gareth Southgate led England to the semfinals for the first time since 1990. The USA, on the other hand, did not even qualify for the tournament and are still rebuilding from the fallout of not making the World Cup.

Off the pitch, a permanent manager is yet to be named for the US Men’s National Team, but on the field there has been significant improvements.

A youthful approach to the national team has resulted in interim manager David Sarachan not only restoring some hope to USA fans by bringing in the likes of Timothy Weah, Josh Sargent and Tyler Adams, but has also produced some good results such as draws against France and Portugal away from home.

The return of Rooney

Although the game has been seen as a big test by the American soccer media, the English press have not shone too much attention on this friendly. That was until it was announced former England captain and the nation’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney would return for one night only for Southgate’s team.

The news was a shock to everyone.

Rooney announced his retirement from England in August 2017 and had largely been out of the spotlight for the first time in his coveted career. But since moving to DC United in MLS, the former Manchester United captain has re-found his magic touch, and guided the then struggling American side to the Playoffs.

It has been confirmed Rooney will not take the armband or the #10 shirt.

The team news

England go into Thursday’s game without their main starting right back in the squad.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Kieran Trippier withdrew from the squad due to injury, meaning we may see Southgate shift from his usual 3-5-2 to a formation with four defenders to allow Kyle Walker to take up his regular position.

Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho is set to make his first start for England with newcomers Callum Wilson and Lewis Dunk also set to feature on the night. Rooney is expected to start on the bench and to play partially in the second half.

For the US, starting goalkeeper Zack Steffen has been withdrawn from the squad following an injury after his side Columbus Crew were eliminated from the MLS Playoffs on Sunday night by the New York Red Bulls, meaning former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough keeper Brad Guzan will start.

Christian Pulisic is also set to return to the USMNT after missing the past two international breaks due to injury, and the Dortmund playmaker is also likely to start in the #10 role.