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After three minutes Eddie Pope fouled Andy Johnson on the edge of the US area. Richardson, from a two step run-up, curled the kick over the wall and inside Kasey Keller's left-hand post. It was thought to be the fastest England goal on debut since Bill Nicholson scored inside a minute against Portugal in 1951. England won 5-2 but Nicholson, who later managed Spurs with distinction, never played again.The Americans recovered quickly taking advantage of poor English passing to press the defence. Though David James and Campbell made telling clearances neither looked comfortable, with Campbell caught in possession by Josh Wolff and James, on his return to the team after nine months out, lucky to escape a horrendous error after 19 minutes. Wes Brown conceded a free-kick on the left, which was taken by Landon Donovan. James came out to punch clear but missed the ball which struck the far post.Though Joe Cole tested Keller from 20 yards the Americans continued to look the brighter side.
They ought to have levelled after 37 minutes when Brown and Campbell lost their men, enabling Wolff to head Steve Ralston's cross down to Donovan only for the latter to shoot wide. Though Smith responded by driving past the post it was still a surprise when England scored again. Andy Johnson's flick released Joe Cole, who dummied inside then squared for Richardson to become the first man to score twice on debut for England since David Johnson, then of Liverpool, against Wales in 1975. The interval came almost immediately, which will have been a relief to both sides. While Bruce Arena had to lift his mugged team Eriksson needed to have words with Glen Johnson. The Chelsea defender had twice squared up to American defenders, pushing Greg Vanney and lunging in on Cory Gibbs. In a competitive environment he could easily have been dismissed.
Smith had also been over-aggressive, though only Ashley Cole and Pope had been booked.The only change Eriksson made at the break appeared to be enforced, Zat Knight coming on for his debut in place of Campbell who suffered an ankle injury. Andrew Johnson had looked off the pace but he showed some better touches in the second period setting up Joe Cole, only for the Chelsea player to blaze over, then breaking on to a Jermaine Jenas pass and forcing Keller into a near-post save. From the subsequent corner Knight, Fulham's first England cap since George Cohen, brought another save from the former Spurs goalkeeper.England were now on top but had to re-organise when Richardson, then Ashley Cole limped off. Phil Neville went to left back with Smith adding his brand of belligerence to the midfield. With America taking control Eriksson shuffled his dwindling resources again handing Luke Young a debut with Smith moving back up front, Neville into midfield and Johnson to left-back.
