RUSTENBURG, South Africa — No secrets here: Jozy Altidore will start against England.
Altidore sprained his right ankle June 2 during training and missed last week’s exhibition win over Australia. He resumed full training Tuesday, and coach Bob Bradley said Friday the staff always felt Altidore’s injury was “minor.”
Bradley made the initial announcement about Altidore during a radio interview — quite a contrast to England coach Fabio Capello, who said he won’t disclose his starting lineup until two hours before today’s kickoff.
“I got asked the question, and I just felt at that point Jozy is starting,” Bradley said. “I thought we could give one name out.
“There will be no more,” he said, smiling as reporters laughed.
Color scheme.
After playing their last three World Cup warm-ups in their new white home jerseys, the Americans will be in their road blues against England. The U.S. also will be the road team for its June 18 game against Slovenia, then is the home team June 23 against Algeria.
Drogba doubtful for opener
SHARPEVILLE, South Africa — Didier Drogba practiced with his Ivory Coast teammates but remains doubtful for the team’s opening match against Portugal because of his broken arm.
The captain wore a protective cast and kept his right arm still as he worked on ball skills and fitness. Drogba was hurt in an exhibition match vs. Japan on June 4 and had surgery a day later.
“We can’t risk any contact at this point,” coach Sven- Goran Eriksson said. “He feels better and better.”
Eriksson conceded that Drogba’s absence in Tuesday’s opening Group G game would be a big loss to the team, but that he was working on “a B plan and a C plan as well.”
Corner kicks.
Netherlands winger Arjen Robben’s recovery is “going well,” according to Bert van Marwijk, although the coach was evasive when asked whether the Bayern Munich player would be fit for Monday’s Group E opener against Denmark.
• Italy’s Daniele De Rossi sat out a training match with a right calf problem, but team physician Enrico Castellacci said the midfielder might play Monday against Paraguay.
• Backup Australia goalkeeper Brad Jones will not return to the Cup after leaving the team to return home after his 4-year-old son, Luca, was diagnosed with leukemia.
