Group C Capsules

England

FIFA world ranking: 8

World Cup appearance: 13th

Best appearance: World Cup champions in 1966

World Cup record: 25-13-17

vs. the U.S.: Saturday, 2:30 (ABC)

For kicks: The "Three Lions" are the beasts of Group C without question. Led by forward Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), midfielder and captain Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Frank Lampard (Chelsea) and defender John Terry (Chelsea), England boasts a formidable side even with the loss of defender Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United). Perhaps the lone weak spot in England's makeup is its goalkeeping as neither Joe Hart (Manchester City), David James (Portsmouth) nor Robert Green (West Ham) stand out.

United States

FIFA world ranking: 14

World Cup appearance: 9th

Best appearance: Finished third in 1930; quarterfinalists in 1998.

World Cup record: 6-16-3

For kicks: It's arguable that this is the strongest contingent the United States has ever fielded in a World Cup. The Stars and Stripes are looking to rebound from a dismal 2006 showing in Germany. However riding the momentum of a second-place showing in last summer's Confederations Cup, a smooth run through CONCACAF qualifying and warm-up wins over Turkey (2-1) and Australia (3-1). Everyone likes to talk about the play of forward Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy) and goalkeeper Tim Howard (Everton), but the efforts of MLS' Edson Buddle have been the surprise for the U.S. thus far. Buddle led the Galaxy with nine goals in nine games en route to an invite from U.S. national team coach Bob Bradley. Buddle thanked Bradley last Saturday when he scored two goals in the U.S.' 3-1 win over Australia in Roodepoort, South Africa.

 

Slovenia

FIFA world ranking: 23

World Cup appearance: 2nd

Best appearance: Group stage in 2002

World cup record: 0-3-0

vs. the U.S.: June 18, 9:30 a.m. (ESPN)