Martin Keown has warned Gareth Southgate and his Three Lions to show respect to Leeds United star Brenden Aaronson - claiming they should 'underestimate him at their peril'.
Aaronson joined Leeds from New York Red Bulls in the summer in what was a club-record deal, and the midfielder has thoroughly impressed at Elland Road with three goal contributions so far in the Premier League. Not only his talents on the ball are admirable; his work-rate off the ball and ability to drive up the field have seen Leeds take a different dynamic under fellow countryman Jesse Marsch's guidance.
With England drawing the USA in Group B at this year's World Cup, Aaronson is one player that will be known to many on home soil this year; more so Leeds fans, who have come to worship the starlet for his performances over the past few months. And Keown has warned England not to underestimate Aaronson or team-mate Tyler Adams ahead of Friday's clash.
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"The attacking midfielder is living up to the hype after a bright start to his Premier League career at Leeds and will be the main support act for Pulisic. Underestimate him at your peril," Keown said via the Daily Mail.
"You are guaranteed 100mph football from the USA. It's all action and energy and England's defenders should expect a high-pressing game. Aaronson covers great distances, as does his Leeds team-mate Tyler Adams, hence why Jesse Marsch signed them both in the summer.
"An ever-growing nation for football and with Pulisic probably their most gifted player, this hard-working group will give anyone a difficult game."
The opening matches in Group B were played on Monday, with England easing to a 6-2 win over Iran, while a late Gareth Bale penalty denied USA an opening match win, as the two sides played out a 1-1 draw.
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