Does the United States Have a Chance?

Now on to the big question of the day. Does the United States have a chance against England. The short answer: Of course! This is a good American team with plenty of offense and a group that will not be overwhelmed by England's star power. This is the most experienced U.S. team ever, with guys who play at the highest levels in England, Germany and Italy, so the bright lights and pressure shouldn't get to them. But England is a really, really good team, despite its injuries, in particular to captain and star center defender Rio Ferdinand and defensive midfielder Gareth Barry. This is a talented offensive group with Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, etc., etc. The reality is, the United States could play really well and still get hammered. I don't think it's going to happen, but it could.
So, what do I think is going to happen?
I see the United States coming out strong. They have a lot to prove and I think that will carry them early on. Look for the Americans to aggressively attack England's depleted defense, using the speed of Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey to get deep into English territory. I think it's going to pay off, as I see Jozy Altidore being set up by a Donovan or Dempsey run within the first 15 minutes or so and getting a goal to put the Americans up.
Unfortunately, that will wake up England. The Three Lions will gain some composure and start pressuring the American defense, which hasn't been particularly good. Tim Howard turns away a few shots but eventually, Rooney breaks through, manhandling the U.S. wing defenders and pushing through for the tying goal. Halftime comes at 1-1.
Early in the second half, the defense collapses on Rooney as he pushes up the middle, but rather than force it, Rooney shows his maturity and dumps it to a wide-open Lampard, who buries a shot past Howard. This puts the U.S. on its heels badly and a blowout seems about to start.
But then the United States shows a glimpse of its ability, as it pulls itself together around the 75th minute. Donovan streaks through the English midfield, finding Dempsey, who shows his creativity by beating a pair of English defenders and finding the back of the night for a shocking tying goal. Bedlam ensues.
But it doesn't last.
A few minutes later, with a tie looking like a possibility, Gerrard gains control and flies down the flank, going right past the weak American outside defense and sending a beautiful cross in. Oguchi Onyewu is caught out of position, allowing Rooney to leap in and power a header into the goal for the win.
Still, an impressive game for the United States. The question will be, how will they regroup after a disappointing result?
We'll see how close I am in a couple hours.