World Cup 2010: USA, England End Match With 1-1 Draw

The United States got an unexpected point against England in Rustenberg, South Africa on Saturday, with first half goals from Steven Gerrard and Clint Dempsey leading to a 1-1 draw.

The headlines will focus on Dempsey’s 40th minute tally, with England goalkeeper Robert Green’s attempts to save the attacker’s shot bound to spawn comparisons to recent gaffs by Scott Carson and Paul Robinson.

The United States have brought on Stuart Holden for Jozy Altidore, moving Clint Dempsey into a supporting striker’s role behind Edson Buddle, with Holden taking Dempsey’s spot on the wing.

The match remains ties in the 88th minute, with the U.S. having the best chance of the second half through Jozy Altidore, who had a shot saved off the post earlier in the period.

The United States and England are tied 1-1 at halftime of their World Cup 2010 match in Rustenberg, South Africa, with an early Steven Gerrard goal equalized by Clint Dempsey, with help from one of the most egregious goalkeeping errors of recent memory.

Gerrard opened the scoring with the outside of his right foot in the fourth minute when, played behind the defense by Emile Heskey, the England captain slid the ball under an oncoming Tim Howard. Gerrard ran through a space vacated by Oguchi Onyewu, with a trailing Ricardo Clark unable to prevent the shot.

Fabio Capello’s lineup has been announced, but we will have to wait and see how it’s deployed. There is a chance we could see Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in central midfield. We could also see James Milner taking the position normally occupied by the now-injured Gareth Barry.

Emile Heskey starts with Wayne Rooney up top. Robert Green is in goal while Ledley King is in Rio Ferdinand’s vacated spot.

Two issues have defined the lead-up to what some (but none in Brazil and Portugal) consider the biggest match of group stage.

As much attention has been paid to the U.S.‘s injury woes, England has it worse (though those have gotten enough attention, too).