Tomorrow's clash in Rustenburg is almost certain to determine who finishes top of Group C, which would secure an easier passage to the semi-finals.
Let's not get too carried away but England should be good enough to beat Ghana or Australia, either of whom they could meet in the last 16, and France, who are possible quarter-final opponents.
Fabio Capello's men are 8-15 to get their campaign off to the perfect start but that's far too short. We'll take a chance on an England win after it's all square at half-time, which is 3-1.
1966 and all that
England have only ever faced the Yanks once in a competitive fixture — and they lost that game 1-0 in 1950 with a team featuring Tom Finney, Billy Wright and Stan Mortensen.
It's a nailed-on certainty that this will be mentioned at some point during ITV's coverage and Paddy Power have 1950' at 7-1 in their market on the first phrase to be used by commentators.
It just wouldn't be an England game without a reference to David Beckham. And even though he's ruled out, the midfielder has a role off the field as part of Fabio Capello's coaching team.
David Beckham' is 15-8 to be the first phrase used. At 5-1, 1966' is an attractive price.
Whenever England go into a major tournament, Bobby Moore and Co are always referred to. And at some point of the pre-match coverage, viewers will be reminded that it's now 44 years of hurt.
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