In the weeks leading up to the biggest match of the new decade, there’ll be plenty of psychological mind games played out in the press between the players and coaching staff of both England and the United States. But those mind games will be nothing compared to some of the warfare played out in the minds of soccer fans in the United States.
For a country which has been served a diet of English soccer on US television for 20 years or more, many of us have a better knowledge about the English game than we do for our own country, the United States. This includes not only the top flight league soccer where many of us know far more about the Premier League than Major League Soccer, but for some of us that also includes a better knowledge of the England national team than the men who play in red, white and blue for the United States.
The mind games that will play out for us between now and June 12, 2010, will be who will we want to win, the United States or England?
Think I’m crazy? I’m sure the majority of you will know exactly which team you’ll support. But the question is more complicated for Americans who are anglophiles. And for the millions of ex-pats who now call America their home.
For me, it’s a incredibly tough decision. I’m Welsh, but all of my relatives on my father’s side of the family are English. So since moving to the United States in 1984, I’ve always supported the British contingent of countries who played during the World Cup. Wales have never qualified in my lifetime, so I would always support Scotland and England (1986 and 1990 World Cup), England (1990, 1998, 2002 and 2006) and Northern Ireland (1986 and 1990). And in 1994, since there were no British teams competing, I supported the Republic Of Ireland.
At the same time, I’ve always supported the United States since I moved here in 1984 and especially during the 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006 World Cup.
But until this time, I’ve never been forced to choose between two countries. By June 12, I’ll have to support one or the other. Or maybe not, since that no matter which team wins, I’ll be happy.
My story is not unlike millions of other Americans who live in the United States who will be forced to side with one team or another. Complicating the matter are the Americans that are anglophiles who feel more of an affinity toward England than their home country, the United States.
It’s not only a mind game based on where you were born and where you live. It’s also a matter of taste, soccer-wise that is. Deep down, I want the United States to beat England so we can put soccer on the map not only in this country but around the world. But many soccer fans in the United States have been turned off by repeated failures and lack of imagination on the field thanks to coaches such as Steve Sampson and Bob Bradley.
Being a supporter of the United States men’s national team is an experience that features many highs and many lows. From game to game, it’s hard to predict which United States team will show up. The one that looks like world beaters, or the one that only manages a narrow win against countries such as Cuba and Haiti.
So when June 12, 2010 rolls around and you’re standing there with a beer in hand and your heart is pounding a mile a minute, which country will you be supporting and why? Click the comments link below and share your opinion.
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yerp
June 11, 2010 at 9:18 am
and while im at it fuck ur Prime Minister
yerp
June 11, 2010 at 9:17 am
FUCK ur Queen and FUCK Barack Obama
lewis A MCFC
June 10, 2010 at 2:42 pm
I live in the greatest city in the world, MANCHESTER, and i will be cheering on the mighty 3 lions, england are better than USA, of course they are, but this doesn’t mean that we will win, only fools scream about their teams winning before the first whistle blows !. I am fully confident in our boys doing the business in rustenburg this coming saturday and will be cheering them to glory in my local watering hole !!!!! CUMMON ENGLAND
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN
Todd
June 9, 2010 at 6:36 pm
I’m Irish/English, just hope England give justice to cheating henry. USA should be runners up then playing Germany, that’s if you believe the hype anyway.
I think Spain will go all the way.
Mike
June 7, 2010 at 5:57 pm
Go America, we are the underdogs and want to prove to the world that America can play soccer at the highest level, and win.
Casey Jón Ramírez-Currence
June 4, 2010 at 8:34 am
i support the US even tho i love England’s Team i live in the US but thats not why im supporting a US win my family and I are from Puerto Rico so it really doesn’t matter, Im supporting a US win cause they are clearly the Underdogs in the fight and they will be determined to WIN so they may stand a chance…
Denis Cummins
June 1, 2010 at 11:09 am
Being Irish definitely the U.S 🙂 sorry when it comes to sport when england is losing is as good as auld Eire winning
Chris
June 1, 2010 at 11:05 am
I was born in America and lived there for 6 years ( now 22) before my family returned to England but no doubt about it come June 12th I will be cheering on England to win.
Mercia
April 16, 2010 at 12:50 pm
I believe the United States will be up for this game big time. The England team have good individuals but working as a team they can become disjointed while the Americans can display tenacity and guile. As a 100 per cent Brummie my heart lies with England but the Americans have talent and we would be foolish too write the off.
nick2010
April 4, 2010 at 4:41 am
I’ll be supporting ENGLAND and anyone who plays against the Yanks except the Arsetralians cos I hate them even more
John
March 22, 2010 at 5:07 pm
There is only one nation you should ever support, through the hard time and the good, If you are far away or if you are close. Thats all there is to it and if you manage to swap your support between nations if your first choice doesn’t qualify???? Then I really feel for you because you cant go through the real feelings of the highs and the lows of a true football fan. Pick a nation, your nation not the one next door or because you watch there league or because Wales don’t ever qualify. Your nation is your passport if your like me with two its your birth place its not hard. I have watched England through the Hand of God 86, the tears of Gazza 90, The no show 94, The Muller knockout 96, The Beckham red and sol no goal 98, shocker 92, Ronaldinho fluke 02, Ronaldo wink 06. Three Lions on a shirt forever.
Rob Dee
March 8, 2010 at 5:49 pm
I can’t believe that there is thread on this subject. You have to support your own country. I’m English but live in Tennessee and the flag of St George will be flying high and proud for the duration of the World Cup, that being said, i wish the usa the best and hope they do well for the sake of my friends and in laws that are massive football fans out here. Should be an interesting day the england usa game as we are planning a monumental party on the day of the game out here. Both countries united in their love for beer and football. Thats what its all about really having a laugh and taking the piss out of each other.
MUFC1964
March 8, 2010 at 7:40 am
I was born in England, but have lived in Canada since 17. The USA holds no affinity to me in sporting terms (the recent Olympics hockey was a prime example..I don’t really follow hockey but the USA is the team that Canada wants to beat w/o a doubt in hockey..its sort of a David and Goliath syndrome…similar probably to how Scotland feels as compared to England). I’ll cheer for England 100%….if they were playing Canada, I’d cheer for Canada but other than a few of the big names, I couldn’t tell you who is who for Canada.
Clear as mud.
TJ
December 8, 2009 at 8:52 pm
That’s a fun question, Gaffer. An Anglophile for decades, my first and deepest exposure to football was with the English game. I watch more MLS and USMNT than ever, but the EPL and the players that comprise the English national team are my favorites to watch.
That being said, country first, mate. USA on June 12 and beyond!
Jon
December 8, 2009 at 4:00 pm
I am of two minds. I was born in the United States and am a US citizen. But I have lived in Canada since I was age two (I’m thirty-two now, so thirty Canadian years). Canada has a stronger connection to England than America by virtue of our history, and most “neutral” (meaning not from another nation like Scotland, Ireland, or elsewhere) anglophone Canadias support England internationally since Canada has only qualified for the World Cup just the once. Add to that the fact that I was raised by an English live-in nanny from Southampton and there is a strong England bent in me.
But, my brother older played professionally in the United States in 1990 and was an injury alternate for the US National Squad in 1990, narrowly missing a chance to go to the World Cup.
I’ve always supported the Three Lions internationally since I was a kid, so I guess that won’t change. But, though I will be supporting England, as always, when it is against the United States I always feel like I am betraying kin and country. Heavy-hearted England support, I guess.
The Gaffer
December 8, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Jon, what’s your brother’s name?
Cheers,
The Gaffer
Sam Davis
December 8, 2009 at 12:14 am
I’ll be supporting the U.S. being from the States (Chicago specifically), but I have a soft spot for the Three Lions and thus will be cheering them on when they aren’t facing us.
Should we go out before England, I’ll be backing them all the way. I just hope that the red mist doesn’t settle around Rooney at any point during our encounter and cause him to do something to make me question my allegiance to him when he’s wearing the red shirt.
…and Terry and Gerrard are c*unts.
Jonathan
December 7, 2009 at 8:39 pm
If you are American – the answer should clearly be U.S.A. If English – the answer should be clearly be England. I’m American and my wife is English. Should be a great match. I love England and support them against any other team except for U.S.A.
Mac
December 7, 2009 at 8:22 pm
I am an American who follows the Euro leagues exclusively. While I will root for the US to do well and will watch their games (even if it means pic-in-pic) I will be pulling for England during the cup and against the US.
The best way I can explain is that during the last 10 years or so of following the Prem I have developed a strong bond and love for the players and the national team. Perhaps it’s because I don’t watch MLS at all and rarely watch the US national team that I don’t have that same bond. Yes they are the country of my birth, but I feel no passion for them as a footballing nation.
Sam Davis
December 8, 2009 at 12:19 am
Can’t say I understand that logic. I don’t watch the MLS nearly as much as the EPL/La Liga/Ligue 1/ but the idea of you not being able to get behind your home country in a major tournament strikes me as extremely odd.
I’m trying to figure out why that might be as I type this but I literally cannot come up with an explanation. One that makes sense at least…
The Gaffer
December 8, 2009 at 7:46 am
Sam, that’s why I wrote the article and why I mentioned the psychological mind games that will be happening within a lot of supporters in the States regarding which country to support. For many, right or wrong, it’s not an easy decision to choose which team to root for.
The best analogy I can give is this: You’re a rock’n roll fan. And there’s one band that you absolutely love. You love their music. You love everything about them. You’ve spent tons of money following them on tour. You buy all of their albums and wear their concert T-shirts. You’re a massive fan. And the band is from England. And the reason you got into music in the first place was due to this band.
Then all of a sudden a global version of the European Song Contest happens and your favorite band is on TV performing against the hottest band in America. But you have little to no relationship with the American band other than the fact that you’re American.
Which band do you root for?
Cheers,
The Gaffer
Sam Davis
December 8, 2009 at 4:57 pm
I get the analogy but I got hooked on soccer when I happened to catch a random EPL match in a hotel room during a HS soccer tournament in Wisconsin and have always rated the EPL miles above the MLS. I’ve gotten the “Eurosnob” label because of it but it’s plain to see, if your eyes work properly, that the MLS lags far behind the majority of the domestic leagues in the world.
With that said, when it comes time for the U.S. to participate in any international competition, whether it be in basketball in the Olympics or the WC I just kind of feel like you *have* to represent your home country. It just feels weird not to. I’m not saying that you can’t like other teams but to be from the States and somehow have a greater connection with another country’s NT seems odd. If you’ve got roots in the country then I guess you can go ahead but if you’re from the States, were born in the States, and have lived here for the majority of your life, when it comes time for the WC I can’t understand how you can’t root for your home country.
I can understand the ex-pats living here in America for 10+ years *maybe* having some conflicting emotions but from what I’ve seen here the majority of them are England first, America second. Not to say that they dislike the USMNT, but that’s where their from, it’s a matter of national pride.
Christopher
June 10, 2010 at 12:52 pm
“Yes they are the country of my birth, but I feel no passion for them as a footballing nation”
My feelings exactly. Aside from maybe Donovan or Dempsey, I can’t name one single player on the US team and know next to nothing about most of them. I have no passionate, abiding connection to the US team and probably never will.
But hey, that won’t stop people from telling you who you absolutely HAVE to support.. right? *lol*
Forest Fan
December 7, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Supporting USA now that the boys in Green wuz robbed by that damned Swedish ref. Really no question though – you support the country of your birth (unless they don’t qualify as I said).
One of the problems soccer has in the US is that the man on the street over here doesn’t understand nationalistic fervor. For the most part they see Team USA as just that…another Team, just like the Sox or the Cowboys or the Lakers. And all they see is the sport (soccer), which they don’t understand, as opposed to the fact that the 11 guys out there are representing the USA, and all things American. Whereas an Englishman or German or Nigerian etc – they see the sport sure….but more than that they see the country’s emblem on the jersey, and feel the pride that goes along with that. The team could be playing chess for all they care….if it’s your country, you are bound to support them. That sort of nationalist pride in the US Team (and same goes for USA Basketball or Baseball for that matter) just doesn’t exist over here at a national level like it does in most other countries.
Go on you Forest! Up to 3rd!!
jleau
December 7, 2009 at 9:35 pm
I think you sell Americans waaaaaay short (most non-Americans do). The only reason most Americans watch any soccer at all is the USMNT. The olympics are extremely popular largely because of national pride.
Ask any American 40 or over what their most memorable sports moment is and I guarantee a large percentage will say the US Hockey teams win over the Soviets in 1980. Many don’t remember that wasn’t for the gold medal because the win meant so much to the whole country. And like soccer, that was a sport that most Americans don’t care much about.
Personally, I can’t imagine why anyone would root against their country.
Forest Fan
December 8, 2009 at 9:33 am
I hear what you are saying jleau – but it’s funny you mention the 1980 Olympics…that’s really the last time when the country as a whole was focused on a team representing the USA. That hasn’t happened since. Sure – soccer fans in the US will have pride in country, and put down everything to watch Team USA – but as a whole, the population still doesn’t care about a national team. I remember in the last world cup, the USA was playing a huge game and I saw a couple of young kids playing on my street – I asked if they knew that the USA was about to be on TV – they just replied that they don’t like soccer. That would never happen in Ireland or England etc….if the National team is playing, whether it’s soccer, rugby or whatever – the entire country is watching. We are no where near that over here.
The Gaffer
December 8, 2009 at 10:24 am
In some ways, it’s the best thing for the United States to have their first game against England. It’ll definitely encourage people who aren’t into soccer to watch the game out of curiosity to see if England can be defeated. And then hopefully the hype will continue for the US through the first round (and hopefully beyond there).
ForestFan, I hear what you’re saying about the kids in the street during the last World Cup. There’s no way to win over all of them, but slowly but surely the number of people watching the games will continue and grow.
Cheers,
The Gaffer
mark the jack
December 7, 2009 at 6:36 pm
I’m welsh and have lived in Phoenix, AZ for almost 5 years and am on my way to becoming an American citizen.
Being Welsh, I HAVE to support team USA, it’s against my nature to support the english!!
Kyle
December 7, 2009 at 4:48 pm
I am an American but will be supporting England. They are the players I watch week in week out and don’t really know the U.S. side that much. When they go out I am not that down hearted. I want the U.S. to do well but I have a deeper attachment to the England team. Come on England.
Bombtune
December 7, 2009 at 4:23 pm
I love Arsenal and the EPL but the US is my national team and my home.
Don’t tread on us.
eplnfl
December 7, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Well said.
matt
December 7, 2009 at 3:24 pm
im rooting for the US, personally i hate all the england american snobs who that england is the best league because its not. GO USA
CA_backpacker
December 7, 2009 at 2:11 pm
I’ll be rooting for the USA, but I gotta say, their brand of “soccer” is very painful to watch. So while I will cheer for them and hope they do well, you know that if they lose to England it will be more a matter of “what England did wrong” more than it will be “Why the USA won it”.
The Gaffer
December 7, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Here’s a little bit of cross-promotion for you. The latest episode of the MLS Talk Podcast on our sister site features an interview with Jamie Trecker as he and Kartik deconstruct the USA’s chances in Group C in the World Cup:
http://www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/mls-talk-podcast-123-jamie-trecker-on-the-usmnt/7515
Cheers,
The Gaffer
eplnfl
December 7, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Jamie Trecker was at his best in the podcast. Give it a listen.
Jason
December 7, 2009 at 1:41 pm
I can understand people’s sentiments to England for obvious reasons in that we are so connected to their professional game. But come on man, if you are American then cheer for the USA! Its a good thing there are 2 places in the group to advance so there is room for both teams in the end as long as they take care of business against Slovenia and Algeria. My concern as a US fan are two fold. A lack of depth of strikers and leaks in the back. Did you see how Wayne Rooney just out ran Johnathan Spector at the Man Utd-West Ham Utd game? Quite worrysome I think.
Kevin
December 7, 2009 at 1:15 pm
I am a complete and total Anglophile, since childhood I’ve been fascinated by all things English. Today a large part of my time is spent listening to British music, watching British television, and, of course, watching English football. Watching England in the ’06 World Cup was what originally got me interested in the beautiful game. I only loosely follow MLS results and don’t watch too many matches, so yes, it’s true that I am probably more familiar with the England squad than the US squad. And as I’m a huge Spurs fan, I have great interest in the England side, and always hope they do well, also thanks to my cultural fascination.
However, I would never consider supporting them over the land in which I have been born and raised. I am an American, and frankly to support any nation other than the United States would be borderline traitorous.
jleau
December 7, 2009 at 12:33 pm
USA, USA, USA
Love the EPL, not a fan of the English MNT. Regardless of how the game against the Americans turns out, I will enjoy seeing the Three Lions inevitable exit from the tourney.
David
December 7, 2009 at 12:03 pm
From the US, watch the EPL, I will support US all the way. I don’t see how someone with that kind of background could do anything different.
If you’re from England or somewhere nearby, I can understand the complication or choosing and allegiance. But seeing so many English shirts at pubs here in America from people who truly are American just really gets to me. I don’t care if you watch the EPL every weekend and you’ve been to the Bridge once and it changed your life. Support the country where you’re born, grew up at, and live!
That all said, it will be an amazing game (I hope), but I swear that the English press will do their due diligence and drive their team out of the competition. It’s amazing to me how many articles the Telegraph among countless other British press can talk about the WC already? I want football fever here in America, but they seem to take it to a level that is quite distracting to me. My favorite so far is how sure they are that Capello has Bradley figured out already.
AmplifiedtoRock
December 7, 2009 at 10:56 am
Easy decision. 16 years in the US and it’s still England first. Now, I honestly think we’ll get a very good game out of the US side. They typically have at least one very good showing against a top side. Remember that, save for some questionable refereeing decisions, they nearly took three points from their match with Italy in 2006 after being run off the park by the Czech Republic.
Because it will be the first match of the tournament, I expect the US will be up for the challenge. Unfortunately for them, England will be as well. Yes, there will be loads of pressure heaped on their backs from supporters and media, but the match with the US will certainly be looked at as the biggest challenge England face in the group stage.
Of course, punditry at this point (or any other, really) is speculation. It’s quite likely that the US squad running out in South Africa will look vastly different from the side that struggled to a draw with Honduras in their last qualifying match. Who knows what the England side will look like, especially considering how many tough domestic and European club matches will be played between now and then. The US have been bit by the injury bug, but who’s to say England will stay healthy? Remember Wayne Rooney in the 2004 Euros? I’m still trying to forget.
Also…Gaffer, will ESPN 360 have the World Cup matches again? If so, that makes attempting to watch the final group stage matches at the same time that much easier.
The Gaffer
December 7, 2009 at 11:30 am
Excellent question Amp. Although I don’t believe anything has been officially announced, it’s my understanding that the World Cup games WILL be available on ESPN360 in addition to ESPN/ESPN2/ABC on television.
Cheers,
The Gaffer
Gaz
December 7, 2009 at 10:34 am
Though I have now passed the point of no return – I’ve lived in the US much longer than I was in the UK and consider the US my home – I’m still English and will, thus, support England.
Lucky for me, I probably could have supported either without anyone giving me too much trouble. I’ve lived my entire adult life in the US – that’s a pretty good argument for supporting the US. I was born / briefly grew up in England and still am a British citizen – that’s a pretty good argument for supporting the English.
I do think you should support your birth country no matter what, though. Having said that, I’ll probably regret it in a few decades when the US ranks higher than England. It’s not that unlikely, people. 🙂
eplnfl
December 7, 2009 at 10:27 am
USA, love it or LEAVE IT. Predict what minute in the game Wayne Rooney will cry over a call and I’ll name you fan of the match.
CAPTAIN AMERICAN.
AtlantaPompey
December 7, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Rooney is finally starting to mellow in his old age, so I predict he won’t cry over a call until the third minute.
In the past, he would have cried over the national anthem and handshakes that precede the match.
Gaz
December 7, 2009 at 1:32 pm
“USA, love it or LEAVE IT.”
I have to love the US National team in order to live here?
Wait, I get it – We were quoting stupid bumper stickers.
How about: “This is America – Speak American”.
eplnfl
December 7, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Hey, I’m liberal and voted for Obama. Were not talking about immigration policy here but the clash of two sporting nations. It’s national pride. You can stick with the old and worn down three lions, land of warm beer and poor food, or root for the worlds best, home of the brave, ESPN and a lot of California blonds. England is a country of what once was the USA is the current and future king!
Go USA.
RedMD
December 7, 2009 at 10:54 pm
I’ve had very good cold beer in England.
I’ll root for the US for every moment that doesn’t include them playing England.
MNUfan1991
December 7, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Yep, Love it or Leave it.
… waiting for you to leave the ENGLISH Premier League blog that is.
Go Rooney!
eplnfl
December 7, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Leave this blog and the EPL, never. I need someplace to watch and comment on the best American players!
Gaz
December 7, 2009 at 11:00 pm
I guess the best American players decided they loved it so much they had to leave it.
Despite your poor attempt to explain the comment, “Love it or leave it” can only be interpreted in one, redneck sort of way.
JC
December 7, 2009 at 10:04 am
I moved here at age 13 (27 years ago) but I will always support England. It’s in my blood. I do support the US team and i do hope they do well but not at England’s expense. I respect the US National Team and do think they will give England a very good game. England’s fans and media are thinking it’s a cakewalk i just hope the team isn’t so cocky but i do think Capello’s England will be better prepared than any England team that’s played in my lifetime and i think they have a good chance of getting to the semis providing we have no major injuries. Of course we will lose on PKs.
-J
Jeff C.
December 7, 2009 at 9:43 am
I’ll support England against anyone except the US.
ovalball
December 7, 2009 at 9:08 am
Much as I love all things British there will be no mind games here. USA! USA!
Can they do it? Well, not on paper. But then the match won’t be played on paper, will it? Who placed money on Wigan over Chelsea (other than a few stoned Latics fans)? “There are strange things done under the midnight sun…”
AtlantaPompey
December 7, 2009 at 8:51 am
I will support the USA against anyone, anytime, anywhere! However, I can’t wait to watch England lose on penalties in the quarterfinals. The US, however, probably won’t get past the round of 16. Getting out of the group will be a major accomplishment as both Algeria and Slovenia are pretty good teams.
Paul
December 7, 2009 at 8:26 am
I was born in England, moved to the USA at age 11 and became a citizen at age 19, but I will root for England as always. I’m disappointed that they are in the same group because I enjoy supporting both at the World Cup and now the final group game will be at the same time, so we will have to choose one to watch.
The Gaffer
December 7, 2009 at 9:17 am
That’s an excellent point Paul that I didn’t think of. Unless soccer fans are blessed with two TV sets or picture-in-picture capabilities, the fans will have to make a decision whether to watch England or USA in the final match. Or we can flip back and forward with the remote control.
Cheers,
The Gaffer
Kevin
December 7, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Depends on what the group table looks like going into the final match, obviously.
TT
December 7, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Or use the pic on the pc for the other match…
AtlantaPompey
December 8, 2009 at 12:25 pm
DirecTv now has a feature where you can flip back and forth, and because it’s recording, you won’t miss any action. I’m thinking that might be the perfect opportunity to try it.
The Gaffer
December 8, 2009 at 12:37 pm
AtlantaPompey, very interesting! I haven’t heard about that new feature. What’s the feature called?
Cheers,
The Gaffer
AtlantaPompey
December 9, 2009 at 1:27 pm
I can’t remember the name of the feature, but it’s activated by pressing the down arrow underneath the OK button and then changing the channel to the other match. Then you switch back and forth between the two channels using the down arrow and it picks up right where you last watched.
Robert
December 7, 2009 at 7:53 am
I think what makes this decision tougher for some is the fact that the US seems to be making strides in international play. Now picking a side is a meaningful choice – both could conceivably win, a prospect that might have been more foolish 20 years ago.
canyid
December 7, 2009 at 7:29 am
I’m a Canadian, so I get a little bit of both worlds 🙂 — I support the English – I’m of English descent and rather ‘into’ my heritage. That being said, I hope USA gets in second — anything to promote the game in North America.
man99utd
December 7, 2009 at 7:26 am
England have been my team since I was a kid, so that won’t change…wouldn’t mind seeing the U.S. do well though….Let’s go 3 Lions!!!!!!!!!!!
Tyson
December 7, 2009 at 7:19 am
Well I’m a born and bred Brit so its obvious who I will be rooting for but I know we are unlikely to get very far without a stroke of luck.
From what I understand though the US is miles worse than England when it comes to international football so how far do you guys expect to make it?
(BTW just for arguments sake I’d say England wouldn’t make it past quarter finals stage).
Eddie
December 7, 2009 at 8:53 am
“Miles worse” might be an exaggeration. True, the US is not nearly as good as England on paper, and it certainly doesn’t have the depth of the England side. But ask Spain if the US can play in a tournament, or perhaps Portugal, who despite all of their talent were humbled by the US at the 2002 World Cup.
I don’t expect the US to win, but would love it if they did. Though I’d like to see England do well overall.
Flipkid
December 7, 2009 at 7:10 am
I am an American. I love (and watch) the EPL, and I truly appreciate everything that the Brits have done for the game. But… I will be rooting for the USA all the way.
Raatzie
December 7, 2009 at 6:32 am
The U.S., for four reasons.
1. My limited English heritage (there’s some, but I’m mostly German).
2. The limited Liverpool presence in the English side.
3. The heavy Man. U. and Chelsea presence in the English side. If Wayne Rooney ever competed against Satan, I’d root against the dark lord and master. And for Satan. 🙂
4. Enjoying the shadenfreude when England goes out on penalties – again. Let’s face it, England is the Cubs, only if the Cubs had invented baseball and, to a man, had mad hot WAGs.
It already has begun – Lampard and Defoe last weekend, Milner and Ashley Young in recent weeks.
And if the U.S. can’t win the World Cup (and they can’t), let Nando (and Cesc, my favorite non-Pool Prem player) win it with Spain.
Richard The Red (Devil)
December 7, 2009 at 5:56 am
I was born in Harpurhey, Manchester and will be supporting England in the upcoming World Cup. I have lived in Florida most of my life but my football allegiance lies overseas. Nevertheless, I am a U.S soccer supporter as well and they will receive my support in every other match. C’mon England!