USA’s new boy Buddle could ruffle English feathers
Published:USA have fired a warning shot to England ahead of their opening Group C fixture with a clinical 3-1 win against Australia, and they seem to have uncovered a new star in the process.
Striker Edson Buddle, making only his third international appearance, scored his first two goals for his country as Bob Bradley’s team swept their Antipodean opponents aside.
Buddle was only given a starting role against Australia because Jozy Altidore – USA’s leading goalscorer in World Cup qualifying – was absent with an ankle injury.
And now Buddle believes he has given Bradley difficult selection decisions to make for the clash with England in Rustenburg.
He said: “I’ve given the coach a bit of a headache probably – but it’s a good headache for him to have. I was so pleased to get my first senior goals and it gives me a lot of confidence to go forward into the England game.”
Buddle did not feature in the USA’s qualifying programme but forced himself into contention for the finals after a productive season with LA Galaxy.
While Buddle may be an international novice, he has ample MLS goalscoring experience, as he has netted 34 goals in 70 appearances for LA Galaxy.
Somewhat of a late bloomer, the 29-year-old Buddle is 7/1 to be USA’s top scorer at the World Cup, as his team set their sights on progressing to at least the round of 16.
Fabio Capello will be hoping that David Beckham will be able to provide the inside information on Buddle, as the two have been team-mates at LA Galaxy since 2007.
Altidore, meanwhile, seems to have regained his fitness, and the Villarreal forward returned to training on Sunday as he looks to challenge Buddle for a starting role against England.
Who do you think will be the USA’s leading marksman? Clint Dempsey is 9/2 to be their top scorer. See the full USA Specials market.
