England                                1 -1                                  USA
                                         (HT 1-1)
Gerrard, 4                                                        Dempsey, 40
 
Green’s mistake proves costly for England, as they drop two points in the opening game against the United States of America. England were cruising when Steven Gerrard, the newly promoted captain, provided the prefect start as he received Heskey’s pass and managed to slide the ball past Tim Howard after only four minutes.
 
Fabio Capello would have been pleased by the bright start his side had made to the game, yet an error from Robert Green allowed the USA to get back on level terms. Clint Dempsey’s effort from 25 yards out was nothing more than a tame shot. It had seemed Green would have been able to make the simple save required, but the ball slipped out of his hands and rolled agonisingly over the line – a nightmare that will haunt him for a long while. England’s goalkeepers have a knack of making mistakes which can cost us dear. Paul Robinson’s kick of fresh air and Scott Carson’s terrible blunder cost us our place at the Euro’s in 2008. Robert Green’s addition should not really be of surprise.
 
In the second half, England had many opportunities to recover as they made plenty of chances to score another goal. Most noticeable was Heskey’s one-on-one chance with the keeper as he shot it straight into his hands. Wayne Rooney had a shot which was created from nothing and was only a whisker away from crashing into the net. England’s failure to convert their chances may ask more questions than Robert Green’s error.
 
Nevertheless, England did manage to gain a point and they sit second, behind Slovenia. In the glorious 1966 year, England drew their opening game and went on to win the World Cup. Maybe this could be a sign of better things to come.