[NRC] Reports: USA vs. England at Wembley on May 28

It's a good thing England isn't busy this summer.

I have been very happy with the approach to play European teams on their turf. It is a change of pace from the Arena days, where we hosted whatever CONCACAF team was available that day. Playing at Wembley will be a solid experience for our young squad before they start qualifying.

 

Anyone looking into going? So far it seems Aer Lingus (or however you spell it) is the cheapest way to go, but its gonna cost you.

 

The game will look great on my plasma in hi-def for the grand total of $15 for beer, and $20 for take-out!!

 

And with TIVO you can take a potty break without missing any of the action.

 

I am going to be in London on business that whole week. This is fantastic.

 

I'm curious to hear how English fans would regard this matchup. That's a lot of seats to fill - the promoters must feel there's a significant potential gate.

 

Becks 100th cap?

 

I must say, they are doing a far better job of scheduling friendlies in preparation for the 2010 WC than they did for 2006. It looks like in the matter of a few weeks they could be playing England and Spain in Europe and Argentina here all in A-squad friendlies.

To add to that, Goff says the Argentina game is to be played in the northeast and would take place on the day of a Revs home game. USA-Argentina/Revs doubleheader?

 

I hope not. I want the US to play a full strength England squad.

 

I'd say based on the right-mid situation for England and the way Beckham played when brought back to the national side last year that he still is the best option they have out there. Now granted, he's coming back from injury now...but by May he ought to be in good shape.

 

I'm not sure that the Spain game will be a full strength Spain squad as it will be a run-up to the Euro's, and will likely rest at least a few regulars and use it as an opportunity to judge the potential bottom of the roster, BUT the England and Argentina games should be fantastic. Argentina is the one team in the world that ALWAYS plays it's A team. It is like they are always trying to prove something. I look forward to seeing that game the most. They have a ridiculous amount of attacking talent on that squad.

 

Even Spain's B team in Spain would be a much better test for the US than Venezuela or Lativa in Carson which is what we are used to under the Arena regime. USA vs England at Wembley with both teams using A-squads though, I almost creamed myself when I read that. It is basically THE game every US supporter has been yearning for. With Capello now on board England is probably better than their FIFA ranking suggests, this is a great test for the USA. I dont think we can realistically expect to beat Argentina's A-team, but beating England isnt that impossible and would be a huge boon to the nat team heading into WCQ.

 

of all englands weaknesses, wide midfield (on both sides of the field) is not one of them. there are 3 or 4 guys better than beckham on the right side of midfield, including a kid that is the future of the position in bentley.

 

Oh trust me, I'm not complaining about the Spain game at all. I think it is fantastic. Spain has some of the best young talented players in the world right now. I can't wait for all of these games. They are playing Brazil again in September too, right?

 

Jenas is quickly becoming a solid right-handed option for England, though I'd imagine he'll most likely be an AM.

 

I think Bentley is their best option there right now, but Beckham should still be on the team as long as he is fit and another RM dosent come along. One thing I'm interested in seeing though, is when England plays games in July and August(if they do) to see if Beckham is given an advantage when it comes to making the team because he is in-season and the rest of the team isnt. What I mean is I thought it was a little crazy how they said he couldnt play because he isnt in-season. National teams play plenty of games when their players arent in season. If Beckham isnt good enough to make the squad, just say he isnt good enough, dont come up with these lame reasons.

 

he might have a place at right mid in a Capello 4-5-1 or 4-3-3 setup which he prefers. Playing more like a wide central player than a wing midfielder. Jenas has been impressive recently, but he has tendency to disappear for a stretch of games as well.

 

I cant wait for the English fans to boo the Star Spangled banner. Hopefully it fires up our guys. I know it would make me want to give the English fans something else to boo about.

 

I've already gone through it in my mind, and if we do in fact beat them, we'll most likely hear this:

1) It's a friendly, friendlies don't matter.

2) MLS players are match fit, the Brits have had two weeks off.

 

Trust me if we beat them, at Wembley, they will not make excuses. They will destroy their own team, and crucify Capello and the players. English fans do everything but make excuses when it comes to the three lions. Capello will go from a savior, to a ********ing idiot in the span of 90 minutes.

 

I went over to the England boards right after the Croatia loss. I thought a mass suicide was taking place. I'd like to know how McClaren didn't lose his life that night.

 

True. A loss at home to the US ahead of WCQ would put Capello on the chopping block given England fans' irrational nature.