USA skipper Tyler Adams says he is more afraid of spiders than facing England in Friday's World Cup showdown.
Although Gareth Southgate’s team are one of the favourites to win the World Cup, Leeds star Adams said they hold no fear for the US team. And he revealed his phobia of spiders will cause him more concern than lining up against Southgate’s side in Qatar’s Al Byat Stadium.
“England are a big team but an intimidation factor? I wouldn’t say there’s many things out there that intimidate me, other than spiders,” said Adams.
“So it’s fine for me, but obviously I’ve got to play against all those big players, so I’ve done it before. But we also want to show what we’re capable of and that US soccer is developing and growing in the right way.”
Adams, 22, said he and his US team-mates relished their underdog status and the fact all the pressure is on England to win and qualify for the knockout stage.
“I think England are currently one of the favourites to win the World Cup,” said Adams. “In a lot of games, people would probably say we’re the underdogs, but we carry that with pride.
“We have to stay disciplined in what we do. Every day, train well, perform in the games and show up. We know what our quality and our determination can show. When we step on the field against England, ultimately we have to be prepared or else a win is not possible.
“It would mean a lot to beat England. Most importantly, it would mean a lot to the team because we've been trying to push this thing along for the past three years and we've been moving in the right direction. Capitalising against England would mean we're continuing to move in that direction.”
US coach Berhalter joked Southgate, with whom he has enjoyed regular chats in the past, has ignored him since the two countries were drawn to face each other.
“I've been Whatsapping him, but I haven't seen the blue checkmark!” said Berhalter. “So I don't know what's going on. No, we kind of took a hiatus, we’ll pick up our relationship after tomorrow.”
