England's all-time leading scorer Wayne Rooney has given the USMNT some pointers ahead of the World Cup, despite the fact they will face the Three Lions in their group.
Rooney featured in three World Cups for England, and was part of the 'golden generation' that somehow failed to get past the quarter-finals. The former Manchester United striker remains England's all-time top goalscorer, although Harry Kane could surpass his record in Qatar before the end of the year.
The USMNT failed to qualify for the last tournament, and will be looking to bounce back in style after progressing from the group stages back in 2014. They face Iran, Wales and England in the group, and Rooney has split loyalties by giving the USMNT some advice, even giving them confidence about facing the Three Lions.
It's expected to be a close group between England, Iran, Wales and the USMNT, and the Three Lions and the United States meet at a pivotal time. They face eachother in game two, which can make or break the tournament depending on how things have started in game one.
The USMNT remain confident, with captain Christian Pulisic even claiming that they're going there with the mentality that they can win the competition. But Rooney has given his advice - reflecting on his own personal experience.
"They're (USMNT) a good team, got some really good players, I think the important thing for the US is to stick as a team and play as a team," Rooney said. "Not being disrespectful, but there's better teams in the tournament.
"But though hard work and being hard to play against, I believe that's the best way for the US to go about this tournament. They have to try and be a horrible team to play against.
"I'm sure the coach has his own ideas, but when you're coming up against teams that you know are better than you, you have to make it as difficult as possible for them to break you down." But Rooney wasn't done there, as he seemed to think that England may not be as strong as the nation are hoping.
"You will get chances. I think every team that plays against England will get a chance, and then you're relying on your attacking players to take them."
After reaching the semi-finals in 2018, and losing on penalties in the European Championships last summer, England have been closer to success than any other side since the turn of the millennium. Fans are hoping that with the current squad, they could potentially go all the way, and win their first World Cup since their only previous success in 1966.
The talent is there, and Gareth Southgate has named another strong squad for the tournament. But the USMNT remain one of their biggest threats in the group.
