Source: Daily_Mail
Dempsey's wonder strike fires warning to England boss Fabio Capello
Clint Dempsey's dipping 35-yard strike agains t Stoke, magnificent though it was, will not have come as a surprise to those who have watched the Fulham forward's development in the Barclays Premier League.[LNB] Versatile, skilful and with an eye for goal, Dempsey, who joined from Major League Soccer team New England Revolution three years ago, has become a key part of Fulham's revival under Roy Hodgson. He will also be an integral part of a USA team intent on clipping England's wings when the two sides meet in their World Cup Group C opener in Rustenburg on June 12.[LNB] Dream strike: Dempsey scores his 35-yard screamer at Stoke[LNB] There was much rejoicing when England were pitted against the USA, Algeria and Slovenia in last month's draw. And at first glance, England fans have every right to be optimistic.[LNB] But of the teams Fabio Capello's side could have drawn from pot two, the USA arguably represent the toughest challenge. In the latest FIFA rankings, Bob Bradley's men sit just five places below England in 14th spot.[LNB] The upturn in the fortunes of the USA following their elimination in the group stage in Germany in 2006 is, in part, thanks in to the number of their stars now playing over here. America's No 1 Tim Howard is a Premier League regular with Everton, defender Jonathan Spector is at West Ham, centre hal f Jay DeMerit captains Watford, while striker Jozy Altidore, is on loan at Hull.[LNB] Reserve goalkeeper and penalty-save specialist Brad Guzan has seen action for Aston Villa this season, while perhaps their most influential player, LA Galaxy attacking midfielder Landon Donovan, has recently begun a loan spell with Everton.[LNB] Their captain, Carlos Bocanegra, spent four years at Fulham and it is little wonder that, on seeing the draw, Hodgson said of the meeting: 'It will be like a Premier League game.'[LNB] The roll call of Americans abroad does not stop in England.[LNB] [LNB] Maurice Edu and DaMarcus Beasley both play north of the border with Rangers and Freddy Adu, still trying to fulfil the potential that saw him make his MLS debut at 14, has joined Greek side Aris Thessaloniki on loan from Benfica.[LNB] Midfielder Michael Bradley is a regular for Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany while centre half Oguchi Onyewu, who played 11 times on loan for Newcastle in 2007, is now at AC Milan.[LNB] Given this quality, the USA are confident of getting through the group stage this time around. 'American fans are thinking we should advance out of the group, and I like that,' said Bocanegra. 'I like how they're thinking. We feel confident as well that this is a group we can get out of.'[LNB] Former USA forward Eric Wynalda was more forthcoming, saying: 'This is the best draw we've ever had in any World Cup. No disrespect to England, but this is an ideal group for us.'[LNB] The USA have waited 60 years to meet England in a competitive game again, since they famously won 1-0 at the World Cup in Brazil. With players of the calibre of Dempsey and Co, they have every intention of repeating that famous victory. [LNB] Fulham striker Zamora set for spell on the sidelines after dislocating collarboneHodgson expects bids for Zamora but insists his striker is staying at Fulham[LNB] [LNB]
