Landon Donovan had a successful stint with Everton this past 2009-10 season, and on the eve of a 2010 World Cup match-up between the US and England, Donovan reckons that all the pressure is on England.
"Of course, there is more pressure on the English players,” said Donovan, in an exclusive interview with Yahoo! Sports. “If we don’t do well in the World Cup, people care for a little bit. But if England doesn’t do well in the World Cup, it is absolutely devastating to their country, their families, to their people.”
Donovan and the U.S. team have the backing of their country, but nowhere near the same degree of scrutiny and risk of criticism as England’s team. The Los Angeles Galaxy forward believes that environment allows the Americans to prepare for a summer in South Africa in a more relaxed and positive fashion. England, on the other hand, could be weighed down by the burden of expectations heading into the tournament.
“That is something they [England] live with,” Donovan said. “I don’t know if they look at it that way, but that is how I look at it.”
Donovan believes the exertions of a full season of EPL and Champions League action may have exacted a steep price on Rooney – which could work to the USA’s advantage.
“Rooney is a top player,” said Donovan, who was speaking at an event promoting EA Sports 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa video game. “In my opinion, he is one of the best players in the world right now.
“But the other part of it is that he has played a lot of games and he is tired. He is probably worn out. Injuries are a part of that. Things happen when players are tired. When they just keep adding games to the schedule, it makes it difficult.
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