Green gives USA a helping hand

England goalkeeper's slip-up allows the equaliser and forces Cappelo's side to split points after Gerrard provided a fourth-minute lead.

Green's choice in the goal was always debated in the run-up to the tournament but coach Capello showed of faith in him was squandered away.

RUSTENBURG // The Special Relationship between the United States and England took on a new meaning last night when Robert Green generously presented the US with a goal that ensured the opening match in Group C ended in a draw. England fans are teased for the shock 1-0 defeat they suffered at the hands of an unheralded US side in the 1950 finals and there was further embarrassment last night for one of the pre-tournament favourites.

England were five minutes away from enjoying a half-time lead when a harmless shot from Clint Dempsey was comically fumbled into his own net by the keeper. Many players had criticised the Adidas's Jabulani ball before the tournament but Green had no excuse here. England were visibly stunned and the momentum of the game shifted. In the run-up to the match, there had been a three-way battle for England's No 1 jersey and Fabio Capello, the England manager, somewhat surprisingly opted for Green, the West Ham goalkeeper, ahead of David James and Joe Hart. Hindsight is a wonderful tool but it turned out to be an injudicious selection from the Italian tactician.

England began impressively, playing with tempo. Wayne Rooney and Emile Heskey, the England strikers, hussled and harried a US defence that had not kept a clean sheet in 10 consecutive games going into the World Cup. It took them only five minutes to translate their early dominance into something tangible. A pass from Frank Lampard, the Chelsea midfielder, evaded the out-stretched leg of Rooney, but found its way to Heskey, who turned the ball into the path of the on-rushing Steven Gerrard.

The Liverpool and England captain took a touch before nonchalantly flicking the ball past Tim Howard in the American goal. Whether it was Gerrard's strike or the feverous din created by the African vuvuzela horn, Bob Bradley's side roused from their slumber. Play was opening up and when Jozy Altidore rose to meet Landon Donovan's lofted centre, parity looked like being restored. Inexplicably though, the US striker, who scored just one Premier League goal during a loan spell at relegated Hull City, failed to make sufficient contact with his head and the inviting cross drifted wide of the target.

England hit back with Glen Johnson finding space down the right, the Liverpool defender drilling in a low cross. A strong Howard hand pushed the ball away, but Heskey, sliding in, caught the Everton No 1 in the midriff. The problems started to mount for Capello. James Milner, who was only in the side because Gareth Barry was not fit, was replaced by Shaun Wright-Phillips after just half-an-hour. It was surprising that Capello opted for the Manchester City winger instead of Joe Cole. Capello, who had already lost David Beckham and Rio Ferdinand before the tournament, was then forced to replace Ledley King with Jamie Carragher at half-time. The concern over Carragher's pace was highlighted when he was booked for a late challenge and then exposed by the speed of Altidore just after the hour, forcing Green to partly redeem himself by pushing the rising shot on the post. England finished the stronger but the outfield players failed to spare the blushes of Green. @Email:[e-mail] Man of the match: Oguchi Onyewu (US)