USA vs ENGLAND

[Fins Prompte]

England's national soccer team will play in the United States for the first time since 1993, facing the Americans on May 28 at Soldier Field in Chicago and Colombia on May 31 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

The United States, likely to have most of its top players available, will be preparing for World Cup qualifiers on June 4 against Costa Rica in Salt Lake City and June 8 at Panama.

"The trip will be an excellent learning experience, as well as a unique chance to increase interest in English football among the American public," England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said Friday.

England captain David Beckham and forward Michael Owen, who play for Real Madrid, are likely to miss the exhibition games. Real Madrid is scheduled to play its final Spanish League game of the season on May 30 at Real Zaragoza.

Other top English players could miss the tour if Liverpool or Chelsea reach the final of the European Champions Cup, scheduled for May 25 in Istanbul, Turkey. England's top midfielder, Steven Gerrard, plays for Liverpool. Defender John Terry and midfielder Frank Lampard are with Chelsea.

Following the U.S. tour, the English play World Cup qualifiers at Denmark on Aug. 17 and Wales on Sept. 3.

England and the United States reached the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup. England lost to eventual champion Brazil, and the Americans were eliminated by Germany

"It is a very good opportunity for me to be with the players for a week and to take a closer look at some of the newer members of the squad in a different environment," Eriksson said.

"Playing the USA in their own country is a big test. They are an excellent team who have made enormous progress over the last ten years or so, and were very unlucky not to make the semifinals at the last World Cup. They have some very good young players like Landon Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley, and we have also seen in the Premiership that they have a choice of top-class goalkeepers."

Americans Brad Friedel (Blackburn) and Tim Howard (Manchester United) were voted the top goalkeepers in the Premier League in the past two seasons, and Kasey Keller started for Tottenham before transferring this year to Borussia Moenchengladbach in Germany.

The game at Giants Stadium is part of a doubleheader that includes a Major League Soccer match between the MetroStars and Chicago Fire.

In its last U.S. tour in 1993, England lost to the United States 2-0 at Foxboro, Mass., tied Brazil 1-1 at Washington, D.C., and lost to Germany 2-1 at Pontiac, Mich.

Chicago game seems possible to attend. Let me know if thats good for you Cetic;)

[Celticrugby]

Chicago game seems possible to attend. Let me know if thats good for you Cetic;)
Yeah, I just saw this. I'm in for sure. I have summer school, but **** it this game is bigger than that. :USA_Blue

[mejulian]

Sounds like a good game. Too bad that England will terrorize the US defence for the simple fact that they are European and the Americans are not. :laugh

[Celticrugby]

Sounds like a good game. Too bad that England will terrorize the US defence for the simple fact that they are European and the Americans are not. :laugh
hahahahahaha. That's what most are gonna say. :laugh

[Brejrin]

why cant trinidad play a big team like that :(
ah well good luck
the better yall do the better we look

[Celticrugby]

Ferguson objects to England tour



http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40942000/jpg/_40942567_fergie203.jpg
Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson has indicated he may not release his stars for England's American tour in May.

Referring to the friendlies against US and Colombia, Ferguson said: "It is not a Fifa tournament, so we're not obliged to send our players.

"We will have to assess who needs to rest and see who actually wants to go because players don't always want to.

"Players with clubs at the top of the league will have had a much harder season than others."

Six United players would be likely to be called into the squad if fit, including Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand.

Coach Seven-Goran Eriksson would also select a number of representatives from Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.

However, should Chelsea or Liverpool reach the Champions League final on 25 May, their players would be unavailable.

And Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has already made his displeasure known at the prospect of losing two of his players - Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell.

Wenger said: "I cannot understand the logic of going to the United States."

Both Wenger and Ferguson have both questioned why England would go on such a tour after a gruelling season.

Especially as just weeks ago, Eriksson had his wish granted for a four-week break between the end of next season and the start of the World Cup. Defending the decision, Eriksson said: "We wanted to play in May rather than use empty World Cup qualifying dates in June, to ensure the players have the chance to rest properly over the summer. "It is a very good opportunity for me to be with the players for a week and to take a close look at some of the newer members of the squad."
================================================== ===

BOOOOO! Watch us end up playing the England U19s. :laugh

[Max Power]

Celtic, you and I must read the same thing at the same time! I hope we're not the same person...like in Being John Malkovich.

Anyway, Fergie and Wenger always pull the same skit. They complain about losing their players, but what's really going to happen? Just shut up and let them play football.

[Toon-TX]

Anyone else going to this game?? I am taking my 6yr old to the game.

I actually am nervous about England. They are expected to win, and unless they have a decisive win the press will be all over England. The US have climbed the rankings and are only 4 places behind England at 10th place.

This game will be closer than it initially seems. England should win, but will need luck to be on their side. 2-1 prediction.

(Edited as was looking at wrong page of FIFA rankings)

[Celticrugby]

Rumor has it: No Beckham, Terry, Lampard or Owen.

Sounds like an England team that can be beaten.

[Toon-TX]

Terry and Lampard are out. They both need foot operations and as they are out of the Champions league final, they are supposed to be getting the operatins done asap.

Hadn't heard about Beckham or Owen being out. SWP is in, and is keen to play.

This game will be about as even as it could get.

[TZI]

USA fan for one day only :cool

[Tomm Nffc]

I dont think u yanks realise how big a team we are. Ure gonna be whiotewashed and taught the proper meaning of football

[PJH]

I dont think u yanks realise how big a team we are. Ure gonna be whiotewashed and taught the proper meaning of football

not necessarily
USA are a pretty good side, and were not gonna be full strength so i think its gonna be a close match.

[Big Yank]

not necessarily
USA are a pretty good side, and were not gonna be full strength so i think its gonna be a close match.

A lot of people still seem to think that our last WC performance was a fluke. What they don't realize is that most of our major talent is 22 or younger and that, if anything, we've gotten a lot better since '02. It'll be good to see how players like Eddie Johnson do against a team like England.

Anybody know if Beasley is going to be available for this game. I heard he was injured but haven't heard specifics.

[Celticrugby]

I dont think u yanks realise how big a team we are. Ure gonna be whiotewashed and taught the proper meaning of football
I don't think you realize that we actually have a talented squad. Like most European fans if its not in Europe or Brazil & Argentina then the team must suck ass, which isn't the case.

All my "**** talking" is in jest, I'm just happy I get to finally go to a US game. :laugh

Also, England missing 4 of its best players means the chance to beat you is right there, and I feel if we play well we can do that.

[Tomm Nffc]

we could put out our U21's and still get a result. U better watch out

we could put wright phillips in becks' place, carragher in terry's place, joe cole in lampards place, and weve got defoe to replace owen, that seems pretty good to me

[bambergascoigne]

I thought becks would have wanted to go to see Mickey Mouse?

[TZI]

I dont think u yanks realise how big a team we are. Ure gonna be whiotewashed and taught the proper meaning of football

Yes like the way you "whiotewashed" Australia

[Tomm Nffc]

Well..........................................

look, were gonna beat you i know it, it'll be a great game and one that will be remembered

[Liam Gallagher]

I think the Americans will sneek this one. 2-1 to the US

[TZI]

Keep the faith :cool

[Tomm Nffc]

I think the Americans will sneek this one. 2-1 to the US
dream on

[TZI]

Why? England always lose friendly games, away from home they are less than impressive, US are a good team, England have players missing, don't see why not....

[Tomm Nffc]

We'll be alright i think we might draw lookin at it on reflection, but still biased towareds an english win

[Celticrugby]

Keep the faith :cool
**** yeah! :clap

[Big Yank]

We'll be alright i think we might draw lookin at it on reflection, but still biased towareds an english win

Ok, that's a little better.
Of course you're going to favor your side, that's not a problem. But when you think you can waltz in with a third of your starters missing and easily route us at home, it begins to become just plain arrogance.
I think we might suprise you. Either way, I'm looking forward to the game.

[el mero mero]

dream on

Remember the 3-1.



3-1 3-1 3-1.

Yeah. This won't be such a cakewalk for England. All we need is Joe Gaetjens.

[Fins Prompte]

US has a very good record at home against other countries so would not be surprised if the US does beat england based on who will be representing England.

Still not sure if I am going or not.

[mejulian]

I've alway wondered what mekes the English believe that they have a powerful side that can easily beat any team? A dodgy goal in 1966? :ninja

***waits for comments trashing the Mexican national team even if that has nothing to do with the topic***

[Tomm Nffc]

sorry i was so adamant, its just im very competetive, and possibly mardy

[Balls Mahoney]

I keep wondering how much maliciousness the fans will direct at eachother. Britain and America: best best best friends and worst worst worst enemies at the same time!?

[Tomm Nffc]

i dont dislike them, its just, there so arogant and think there the best, no offence of course

[Balls Mahoney]

i dont dislike them, its just, there so arogant and think there the best, no offence of course

Not all of them. If you want arrogance go to France! :laugh

[Celticrugby]

I keep wondering how much maliciousness the fans will direct at eachother. Britain and America: best best best friends and worst worst worst enemies at the same time!?
I don't think it will be bad at all at the game. The only people I'm going to yell at are the fairweather Americans wearing England shirts. :laugh

[Tomm Nffc]

i understand id be lived if the scenario was opposite.

[el mero mero]

I don't think it will be bad at all at the game. The only people I'm going to yell at are the fairweather Americans wearing England shirts. :laugh

It might be out of embarassment.

Well, ****, even I want the US to win :drinkbeer Still, even if England wins i can taunt someone.

[Celticrugby]

It might be out of embarassment.

Well, ****, even I want the US to win :drinkbeer Still, even if England wins i can taunt someone.
Embarassment is why US fans wear england jerseys? :wacko:

[Balls Mahoney]

Embarassment is why US fans wear england jerseys? :wacko:

Well, they won't be wearing them for much longer.

[Fins Prompte]

Well, they won't be wearing them for much longer.

Just curious, but why the US Flag in the sig mahoney.

[Balls Mahoney]

Just curious, but why the US Flag in the sig mahoney.

About half my family's American. Great for me cos i get to stay in New York for free lol.

[Celticrugby]

About half my family's American. Great for me cos i get to stay in New York for free lol.
So you'll be rooting for us then ;)

[Balls Mahoney]

So you'll be rooting for us then ;)

Hahahaha, no way! I'm rooting for England just to annoy the hell out of a cousin. He's an Celtic supporting American like yourself, and oh does he hate the English with a passion. He calls me Longshanks. :laugh I think it was because of that time I cheered the British on all the way through The Patriot. He didn't like it. :laugh

[el mero mero]

So it was like me wearing a Mexico jersey to the Alamo.

[Celticrugby]

Man Utd's Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney pull out of England's summer tour to the United States. :handbags

Might as well try to book another international team that will bring players. :laugh

[Big Yank]

Is there a reason they pulled out or are they just being prima donnas, too good to play a friendly?

[Fins Prompte]

Got my tickets today. A lebanese and an iranian going to a US game...to cheer on the US lol.

section 249, row 17. A

Hey dakota, what's with this crap that we cannot bring in cameras with us?

[Celticrugby]

Hey dakota, what's with this crap that we cannot bring in cameras with us?
Wait...are you kidding?

[Fins Prompte]

nah man, I saw it on ticketmaster website when looking up Soldier's Field...they do know Soldier's Field is a not a classified military base right?

[Celticrugby]

Oh my god. This was half the point of going to the game, to try out my new camera. Give me a ******* break. I might call and ask, I can't believe you can't bring a camera.

[mejulian]

Got my tickets today. A lebanese and an iranian going to a US game...to cheer on the US lol.
What is wrong with this world? People are now separating international politics from sports. :nono :nono :nono

Did they see your camera when you went to the stadium in Mexico, IBES?

[Fins Prompte]

General Rules:
Cameras and recording devices are N O T permitted.

Children Rules:
Chicago Bears events: Everyone must have a ticket.

Chicago Fire events: Children over the age of 2 require a ticket to enter the game.

Miscellaneous:

The following restrictions will be in effect for 2005. Coolers, bags, backpacks, fanny packs, noisemakers, fireworks and large purses are BANNED from Soldier Field. Small women's purses (no larger than 8 by 11 inches in dimension) and all hand held items (including radios, binoculars, cameras, TVs, etc...) are highly discouraged and will be searched upon entry into the stadium. All fans are encouraged to arrive at Soldier Field early and have photo identification available at all times.

I will still try to bring in a disposable camera.

Magnificent Pumas did not have a single problem at all with it. I even showed it to them.

Pero Pinche Club America would not let me bring it in for a damn friendly (Claudio lopez's first game) but I could have snuck it in when the cop was busy talking to young lady ticket collector.

What is wrong with this world? People are now separating international politics from sports.

It was a joke my man. I find it funny.

[mejulian]

It was a joke my man. I find it funny.
I know, I wasn't being serious either.

The restrictions for cameras are stupid, and they better change the policy now because in the future cell phones are likely to have powerful cameras and they won't be able to stop people from entering a stadium without them.

[Fins Prompte]

They should or else amatuer reporters can report games from their cell phones and take pics at the same time for a story.

Again, I am keeping my fingers crossed that they let us bring in the cameras.

What section are you going to be in Dakota?

[Celticrugby]

Right in the Fire support section 124.

Oh, I talked to my friend in Chi-town. He says he brought his camera for a ton of Fire games AND to the USA vs. Poland game. Shouldn't be a problem.

Anyways, here's the England squad.



England squad:

Goalkeepers:

Robert Green (Norwich City)
Scott Carson (Liverpool)
David James (Manchester City)

Defenders:

Sol Campbell (Arsenal)
Matthew Upson (Birmingham)
Wes Brown (Manchester United)
Gary Neville (Manchester United)
Ashley Cole (Arsenal)
Phil Neville (Manchester United)
Glen Johnson (Chelsea)

Midfielders:

Jermaine Jenas (Newcastle United)
Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough)
David Beckham (Real Madrid)
Michael Carrick (Tottenham)
Joe Cole (Chelsea)
Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich)
Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City)

Strikers: Alan Smith (Manchester United)
Michael Owen (Real Madrid)
Peter Crouch (Southampton)
Andy Johnson (Crystal Palace)
Jermain Defoe (Tottenham)

[PJH]

Right in the Fire support section 124.

Oh, I talked to my friend in Chi-town. He says he brought his camera for a ton of Fire games AND to the USA vs. Poland game. Shouldn't be a problem.

Anyways, here's the England squad.



England squad:

Goalkeepers:

Robert Green (Norwich City)
Scott Carson (Liverpool)
David James (Manchester City)

Defenders:

Sol Campbell (Arsenal)
Matthew Upson (Birmingham)
Wes Brown (Manchester United)
Gary Neville (Manchester United)
Ashley Cole (Arsenal)
Phil Neville (Manchester United)
Glen Johnson (Chelsea)

Midfielders:

Jermaine Jenas (Newcastle United)
Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough)
David Beckham (Real Madrid)
Michael Carrick (Tottenham)
Joe Cole (Chelsea)
Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich)
Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City)

Strikers: Alan Smith (Manchester United)
Michael Owen (Real Madrid)
Peter Crouch (Southampton)
Andy Johnson (Crystal Palace)
Jermain Defoe (Tottenham)

Upson and SWP out, Knight and Richardson in

[Celticrugby]

Upson and SWP out, Knight and Richardson in
Adding more "talent" I suspect. :laugh

[Robert]

"Southampton striker Peter Crouch and Manchester United midfielder Kieran Richardson will make their full England debuts against the USA on Saturday.



Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson named the duo in an unfamiliar looking side.

Goalkeeper David James is recalled, Michael Carrick makes his third start, while defender Glen Johnson and striker Andy Johnson have also earned places.
England team: James, G Johnson, Brown, Campbell, A Cole, J Cole, Jenas, Carrick, Richardson, Crouch, A Johnson. "


To those of you who are going to the game I'm sorry you're not going to see some of the top players but enjoy it all the same