Pompey legend's England warning
Pompey legend Alan Knight warned David James and his England colleagues: Beware of the USA.
Current Blues number one James will be hoping to get the nod to start between the sticks for Fabio Capello's side in their opening World Cup clash tonight.
But Knight insists England should not expect an easy ride against the often-mocked Americans.
The second longest-serving player in Pompey's history knows all about how football has grown Stateside after enjoying a stint as goalkeeping coach of FC Dallas in 2006 under former Fratton team-mate Colin Clarke.
Knight also ran football coaching clinics in America.
And despite England going into tonight's group C match in Rustenburg as favourites, the Blues great feels the Three Lions will be undone if they are not at their best.
'England can't afford to underestimate the USA. They do that at their peril,' said Knight.
'Everyone still seems to be taking the mickey out of them because they call the game ''soccer''.
'They are talking to the wrong generation though, because, believe me, the game is huge out there.
'It's massive with the youth. The only problem is there are not scholarships for them at 16 or 17, so they play American football, baseball or basketball.
'The MLS are trying to do something about that now. The standard is reasonable and it's getting better.'
As well as backing England to go all the way – as long as they are not over-reliant on Wayne Rooney – Knight is hopeful James will be in the starting line-up ahead of Robert Green tonight.
He said: 'I'm very much in the Jamo camp still.
'Not playing hasn't helped his cause, but he's the best option.
'I'm not trying to knock Green, but if Jamo is fit he should play.
'His experience, presence and communication is going to be important, especially with a central partnership who have not played together much.
'He will be vocal and dominant. That will help the men in front of him. Green hasn't got the experience, and that's a massive thing for England.
'If he does go with Green I think it will be a big mistake for Capello. It could be something he lives to regret.'
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Thursday 23 February 2012
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