ALTHOUGH his Liverpool accent wouldn't suggest it, City defender Zak Whitbread will be hoping for a different result than many of us as England kick-off their World Cup campaign against the USA in South Africa tomorrow evening.

The 26-year-old was born in Houston, Texas and although he moved back to England early on to start his footballing life in Liverpool's Academy system, his national allegiances lie with the USA. He has represented the States at both U20 and U23 level - featuring in the 2003 FIFA U20 World Cup Finals and qualifying for the Athens Olympic Games in 2004.

So in the build-up to tomorrow's big game, what can England expect from their first Group C opponents and what are the American aspirations for South Africa 2010?: "I think it will be very difficult to get out of the group stages. England are probably the biggest threat in that group, but I think we'll have a good chance against them," said Whitbread.

"I know England have got some great players, but the thing with the States is, it's a group that works hard and has a great engine to the team, great determination and a never-say-die attitude. So I think there's a good chance to get out of the group, but obviously anywhere past there is a bonus really."

And who will be the main threats to the Lions? "Obviously the first name that springs to mind has to be Landon Donovan," he said. "I think he's come over here and proven he can perform on this stage. He is a match-winning player, he has great speed, technique and great finishing.

"I also always think the goalkeepers - the US have got some great 'keepers - the Howards (Tim Howard), Guzans (Brad Guzan), Friedels (Brad Friedel) - they can really keep you in a game when the times are down. But really it's a team effort with the States, there's not really one individual player, everyone will work hard together and hopefully that will take us through the group stages."

IN ACTION: Whitbread featured for the USA in the
2003 FIFA U20 World Cup Finals

Whitbread believes 'soccer' in the States has benefited from the country hosting the World Cup in 1994 and with former professionals such as David Beckham and City legend Darren Huckerby plying their trade there: "I don't think it's anywhere near the heights of basketball, baseball and American Football and I don't think it ever will be to be honest. But just by the players that have come through in the past 20 years since the World Cup, I think it has grown.

"The MLS, it's getting bigger year by year - it's attracting bigger and better players and each year we're getting a step closer to a stage further in a competition. So I think it has made a difference, but we're still a long way off competing for major honours."

And Whitbread's tip for the competition? "I think Spain to be honest - I think they'll have a really good chance.

"I'd probably say Spain or Brazil. I'd like to see England do well, obviously not in the group stages! But I think Spain with the players they've got, some tremendous individual players and a good team ethic. And Brazil are always going to have a chance, but if I was a betting man I'd say Spain."

After tomorrow's group opener the defender would be happy to see England progress: "I think they will qualify through the group stages and they will always get close," he said.

"I think they'll get to the semi-finals and then it's the luck of who you draw. I think they'll do well, they've got the players but England said the same a few years ago.

"Capello is probably a big difference for going one step further, but I think the likes of Spain. I think it will be really difficult to compete with them at the top stage."          

To see Whibread's interview in full and what his Canary team-mates have to say about South Africa 2010 and England's chances log onto Canaries Player. Not a subscriber? Join now!