DEMPSEY LOOKING FORWARD TO WEMBLEY TEST
Clint Dempsey cannot wait to step out on to the hallowed turf at Wembley for the first time on Wednesday and is hoping to fire past England once again.
The Fulham forward’s national team, America, take on Fabio Capello’s side in the first of three high-profile friendlies before their World Cup qualifying campaign kicks off next month.
The 25-year-old, current US player of the year, has fond memories of playing England, having netted his first international goal against them in 2005.
“I scored my first goal for America in the 2-1 friendly defeat in Chicago and I remember it well,” said 38-cap Dempsey. “It was a set-piece crossed to [former Fulham defender] Carlos [Bocanegra] who shot the ball on the goal frame.
“The ‘keeper [David James] made a good save and I was in the right place at the right time – the ball came right to me and I just tried to put it back in. I managed to squeeze it in the near post and it was a great feeling.
“I am really looking forward to playing at Wembley – I have never played there before and would love to score.
“There is a history at Wembley and I’m it’s so exciting for all the players. Guys I have talked to about it say it has an amazing atmosphere.”
After the England game America, who have won four out of their last five matches, take on Spain and Argentina before playing Barbados on June 15 on their first stop on the road to South Africa 2010.
Dempsey continued: “With three big games against England, Spain and Argentina we have an opportunity to test ourselves and work out how best to be successful when we go to the Caribbean.
“It is great to play against the best teams out there – as a player that is what you want. You can better yourself, as both a player and a team, playing against these sort of teams and we are all looking forward to it.
“It’s good to play against guys that I play against week in, week out, in the Premier League – one of the best leagues in the world. There are some of the best players in the world.”
Dempsey backed forward Landon Donavan to cause England most problems. The LA Galaxy star, and team-mate of David Beckham’s, is set to make his 100th appearance for his county against England.
And Dempsey added of the 26-year-old: “To be able to reach 100 caps at such a young age is awesome and a testament to his talent. It’s great for Landon and I am sure he will show his ability against England."
Clint Dempsey cannot wait to step out on to the hallowed turf at Wembley for the first time on Wednesday and is hoping to fire past England once again.
The Fulham forward’s national team, America, take on Fabio Capello’s side in the first of three high-profile friendlies before their World Cup qualifying campaign kicks off next month.
The 25-year-old, current US player of the year, has fond memories of playing England, having netted his first international goal against them in 2005.
“I scored my first goal for America in the 2-1 friendly defeat in Chicago and I remember it well,” said 38-cap Dempsey. “It was a set-piece crossed to [former Fulham defender] Carlos [Bocanegra] who shot the ball on the goal frame.
“The ‘keeper [David James] made a good save and I was in the right place at the right time – the ball came right to me and I just tried to put it back in. I managed to squeeze it in the near post and it was a great feeling.
“I am really looking forward to playing at Wembley – I have never played there before and would love to score.
“There is a history at Wembley and I’m it’s so exciting for all the players. Guys I have talked to about it say it has an amazing atmosphere.”
After the England game America, who have won four out of their last five matches, take on Spain and Argentina before playing Barbados on June 15 on their first stop on the road to South Africa 2010.
Dempsey continued: “With three big games against England, Spain and Argentina we have an opportunity to test ourselves and work out how best to be successful when we go to the Caribbean.
“It is great to play against the best teams out there – as a player that is what you want. You can better yourself, as both a player and a team, playing against these sort of teams and we are all looking forward to it.
“It’s good to play against guys that I play against week in, week out, in the Premier League – one of the best leagues in the world. There are some of the best players in the world.”
Dempsey backed forward Landon Donavan to cause England most problems. The LA Galaxy star, and team-mate of David Beckham’s, is set to make his 100th appearance for his county against England.
And Dempsey added of the 26-year-old: “To be able to reach 100 caps at such a young age is awesome and a testament to his talent. It’s great for Landon and I am sure he will show his ability against England."
Labels: America, Clint Dempsey, Dutch football, England, Fulham, Wembley
