When the national team travelled to Brazil to play in the World Cup for the first time in 1950, they did so with an air of arrogance and expectation that they only had to turn up to claim the silverware.

The USA were certainly not expected to provide much opposition for their group clash in Belo Horizonte and little homework was done ahead of an anticipated mismatch.

What followed was arguably the greatest shock in World Cup history as Joe Gaetjens, a Haitian emigre who had worked as a dishwasher while studying in New York, scored the only goal to sink a team boasting legendary names such as Billy Wright, Wilf Mannion, Stan Mortensen and Tom Finney.

They returned home with tails between their legs soon after, excuses being readied. But this summer there can be none for lack of homework as England prepare to meet the Americans for the first time in World Cup competition since that infamous occasion.

For in Landon Donovan, the USA have a genuine world talent who has sharpened his game in England this year.

US captain Donovan made a huge impression after joining Premier League side Everton on a 10-week loan from Los Angeles Galaxy in January.

The 28-year-old added an extra dimension to the Toffees attack, enhanced his reputation by bagging a couple of goals and earned the instant adoration of the fans.

Everton wanted him to stay longer but not surprisingly the Galaxy wanted one of their biggest stars back for the new Major League Soccer season.

He could prove a real handful for England in Rustenburg on June 12 but Fabio Capello was hardly short of opportunities to check him out during his successful stint at Goodison Park.

"My experience puts me in a stronger position for the World Cup," admitted Donovan before rejoining Galaxy.

"The biggest plus is I now have the confidence to play against anybody and not fear anyone at all.

"My game has improved so much from playing in England, but I believe in my ability and what I can do.

"I know what I have to give and I bring that out of myself a lot more often.

"It's been really great and I can't imagine many players in the world, let alone Americans, can say they have played against and beaten Chelsea and Manchester United in the space of 10 days. That has to be the highlight.

"It's absolutely improved me as a player, it's impossible not to. I've learned a lot."

The additional concern for England is that Donovan, while sharpening his game up on Merseyside, has also learned just how hard he and his team-mates might need to work this summer.

Joining a group that includes Tim Howard, Clint Dempsey, Carlos Bocanegra and Jozy Altidore, Donovan has experience in one of Europe's toughest leagues.

Donovan added: "The biggest thing I've learned from a professional standpoint is to keep yourself going every day. That is so important.

"The amount these guys put in is so draining, physically, mentally and emotionally.

"I have so much respect for the (Frank) Lampards and (Steven) Gerrards who do it day in, day out.

"It's the same at Everton, when you see players like Bainesy (Leighton Baines) turning out every week and maintaining standards.

"It's been fantastic. I could never have expected when I first got here it would turn out like this."

After ignoring American players in the past, England must now hope their country's league has not given this one too much of a helping hand.