Since the United States qualified for the 1990 World Cup, starting the current streak of six appearances in a row, the team has enjoyed some success.

Twice the US made it out of the group stage. One ended in a gallant second round 1-0 loss to eventual champions Brazil in 1994. The other ended in a gallant quarterfinal 1-0 loss to eventual runners-up Germany in 2002.

But in all these appearances, the US has never tallied more than four points in the opening group stage. A 1-1-1 record has been just enough to advance. The question now: Will four points be enough or will the US manage — or need – more?

Looking at the group, I don’t think four will be enough. I think the US will need to win two games to ensure moving on to the next round.

Your thoughts?

Pick ‘em: Regular reader Carson Cunningham has been after me to pick a starting 11 for the US since Bob Bradley named his initial 30. I have struggled with this in part because injuries could easily change the look of the squad.

However, Bradley insists that Oguchi Onyewu and Jozy Altidore are healthy. So, with the game less than a day away, here’s my starting 11.

We’re sticking with a 4-4-2. Tim Howard is the anchor in goal. Across the back are Carlos Bocanegra, Onyewu, Jay DeMerit and Steve Cherundolo. Onyewu starts, but Clarence Goodson better be ready to go.

In the midfield, it’s Landon Donovan on the left, Clint Dempsey on the right and Michael Bradley in the middle. This has been true since the 30 were announced. These three were always going to be on the field, the only question was where. Donovan and Dempsey can play up top, but are better in the midfield. Who to pair with Bradley is the question.

This one tears at me. In my book, it’s Jose Torres. I would rather have his possession than the physicality of Maurice Edu or Ricardo Clark. I don’t think Bradley will agree, and playing against a stolid English side, I suspect he starts Clark. I’m not excited by the choice, but I’ll go with it.

Finally, up top, it’s Altidore and Edson Buddle. This is Altidore’s chance to shine and Buddle is big and scores goals. I like the pairing.

So, there’s my 11. Feel free to tell me I ignored someone critical.

The Game: And no thoughts would be complete without a score prediction for Saturday. As much as I root for the my native land and home, I don’t think they can beat England. I think England is playing too well, and even without Rio Ferdinand, will be headed for the finals.

The US can score goals, but looks suspect in the back. Wayne Rooney can also score, and he will get that chance.

I see a free-flowing game for both sides, but I think England goes by 2-1. 

As I will be standing outside The British Bulldog in downtown Denver watching the game on the big screen while it rains and the thermometer struggles to make 60 degrees, wearing my denim and white stars ’94 US jersey, I will be hoping I am wrong. I would love nothing more than a 1950-style stunner.

And you?

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