Rooney predicts a heavy defeat for USA against England
The ex-Manchester United striker says England should win comfortably against Berhalter’s side.
Despite Rooney’s decision to go and work in MLS as DC United’s manager, this has not swayed the ex-footballer’s opinion on whether the USMNT has any chance of a what many would deem a surprise result against England.
Rooney’s USMNT prediction
In somewhat controversial style, Rooney responded to a question about his prediction of the England-USA game in clear fashion, saying his home country would win emphatically 4-0.
Rooney’s World Cup experience
In an interview with Sports Seriously from USA Today, Rooney also talked about his experience playing in a World Cup and the upcoming tournament itself: “I think it’s really exciting. The last World Cup I was here as a player. It’s strange to have a World Cup in winter but it’s exciting, obviously. I’m really looking forward to it.”
He spoke about the physical preparation and the fact the World Cup comes in the middle of the European season, saying “I think the footballers are fit anyway, so you don’t really need the long camp. It’s more for the coaches, for the style and identity of the team.”
Rooney’s confidence is high before the tournament
“England are a far greater team than any of them that are in the group”, Rooney confidently exclaimed before giving a warning, “if you stay professional, don’t underestimate them and do the right thing, I think they’ll go through the group comfortably. If not, if you start to think about the knockout games during the group, it could turn about to be difficult games against all three. But [the group] should be straightforward for England to get through.”
Group B fixtures
21 November: Khalifa International Stadium: England-Iran 08:00 am ET / 05:00 am PT
21 November: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium: USA-Wales 02:00 pm ET / 11:00 am PT
25 November: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium: Wales-Iran 05:00 am ET / 02:00 am PT
25 November: Al Bayt Stadium: England-USA 2:00 pm ET / 11:00 am PT
29 November: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium: Wales-England 2:00 pm ET / 11:00 am PT
29 November: Al Thumama Stadium: Iran-USA 2:00 pm ET / 11:00 am PT