With the World Cup getting underway June 11th, the first big matchup comes a day later courtesy of the Group C battle USA vs England. Although this may seem like quite the rivalry, history and the English, of course, may have a different opinion. 

England’s squad for 2010 is loaded, as always, with far superior players then that of the American squad. Forward Wayne Rooney (club: Manchester United), Midfielders Frank Lampard (Chelsea) and Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), and Defender John Terry (Chelsea) are undoubtedly the best players on the pitch for England. Their experience playing in previous World Cups and also playing for top club teams in the English Premier League (EPL) give them such a massive advantage over the Americans.

The Yanks will have a roster that will try and match the talent of the English. Forward Landon Donovan is coming off a stint where he played for EPL team Everton, and did a valiant job holding his own in a league many consider the top flight of the world. Another forward, Jozy Altidore (Hull City), and midfielder Clint Dempsey (Fulham), both play in the EPL and hope to use that experience against English opposition to help better the American’s chances. The strong point for this team is their Goalkeeping, with Tim Howard (Everton) used to facing England’s best players weekly.