Expectant England held by the United States

England were held to a 1-1 draw by the United States in their FIFA World Cup Group C opener in Rustenburg on Saturday evening.

Steven Gerrard, captain for the tournament following the injury-enforced withdrawal of Rio Ferdinand, gave Fabio Capello's side the lead in the fourth minute but the USA earned a draw after Clint Dempsey's 40th-minute shot was fumbled in by goalkeeper Robert Green. Next up for Capello, who will be without the injured Ledley King, is Algeria on Friday, a match immediately preceeded by the USA's fixture against Slovenia in Johannesburg.

England were quickly into their stride at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium and appeared to be in good shape when Liverpool FC skipper Gerrard ran on to Emile Heskey's cute pass and finished past Tim Howard with the outside of his right foot.

The USA were unperturbed, however, and nearly restored parity soon after when the impressive Landon Donovan, on loan at Everton in the latter part of last season, delivered an inviting cross which Jozy Altidore headed wide.

They were level five minutes before half-time, though, when Dempsey, a UEFA Europa League finalist with Fulham FC last month, unleashed a seemingly tame shot from 20 metres which Green somehow allowed to escape from his grasp. Both teams had chances to claim maximum points after the interval.

Heskey was first to pass up his, the Aston Villa FC striker, who has not scored for club or country since 21 February, shooting straight at Howard having been sent clear by Aaron Lennon. Altidore went even closer for Bob Bradley's side after racing past Jamie Carragher – on for King – but saw his shot turned on to the post by Green.