Dempsey happy for USA to be underdogs

Dempsey has enjoyed a stellar season with the Craven Cottage club, who rode the crest of a wave all the way to the Europa League final.

It was a similar story last summer, when the USA reached the Confederations Cup final from an equally unpromising position.

And the clear similarities Dempsey has identified between the two teams leads the 27-year-old to conclude further heroics can be expected in South Africa.

"No one thought we'd get to the final of the Confederations Cup, but we did," he said.

"No one thought Fulham would get to the final of the Europa League either.

"It doesn't matter what anybody thinks of us, what matters is what people inside the group think of themselves. If you have belief it's contagious.

"You can't live life in fear. You've got to go out and take advantage of the opportunities you get to do something special."

Dempsey is optimistic that determination can help his country overturn the odds on Saturday evening when the United States tackle England in Rustenburg.

The odds overwhelmingly favour Fabio Capello's men even though England are not the ones who played in a major final 12 months ago.

However, England are not without their flaws, one of which Dempsey has identified in the man who will be detailed to mark him.

"Glen Johnson is a good player and very effective going forward," claimed Dempsey.

"But when he gets forward we have a chance to hit England on the counter and give them something to worry about.

"There will be holes in the pocket he leaves open. We have to be aware of that.

"Both their full-backs like to attack. But there is a risk involved in Ashley Cole and Johnson pushing forward which could make them vulnerable."