Noe's in-depth analysis from today's USA-England game

On one hand, I would've loved to see the US come away with all three points and am kind of disappointed they didn't. On the other hand, I enjoyed watching the US play well and am happy with the support the US fans brought to South Africa.

Tim Howard was a beast between the pipes. Bad luck early in the game, with Gerrard just poking the ball past Howard, but the next 86 minutes there was no doubt the US had brought along a world-class keeper. A contrast with England's keeper, Robert Green. We all saw the play that will most likely head the blooper reel of this year's World Cup, but Green also made a great save on a Jozy Altidore shot that very nearly gave the US the lead in the second half.

Oguchi Onyewu looked to be in good form. He had some good defensive plays and along with the rest of the defense, effectively shut down Wayne Rooney. My one objection with the United States' starting defenders was with Jay DeMerit. I feel he was a bit slow, and I would've liked to see Carlos Bocanegra in the center with Onyewu, and either Jonathan Bornstein or Jonathan Spector on the left side. Steve Cherundolo was great on the right side. Great defending and attacking by the veteran, and hopefully his good form continues throughout the competition.

Many people say Landon Donovan disappears in the big games. And although he didn't shine in today's game, you can't say he disappeared. He and the rest of the midfield played a solid game. Ricardo Clark however did disappear, and I would like to see Benny Feilhaber or Maurice Edu accompany Michael Bradley in the center.

Jozy Altidore had a good game, and almost gave the US the lead in the second half. I wasn't thrilled about Bob Bradley's decision to play Robbie Findley though. Yes, Findley is fast and the US could have used him during a counter-attack, but Altidore also brings the speed to the attack. I would like to see Findley replaced by Edson Buddle in the starting line-up, and Herculez Gomez brought in as a sub sooner. I think Bob Bradley waiting a bit too long in making his substitutions.

My ideal starting 11 for the US's next game against Slovenia:

GK- Tim Howard
LB- Jonathan Spector
CB- Oguchi Onyewu
CB- Carlos Bocanegra
RB- Steve Cherundolo
LM- Landon Donovan
CM- Maurice Edu
CM- Michael Bradley
RM- Clint Dempsey
LF- Jozy Altidore
RF- Edson Buddle