It is understood that talks with US soccer chiefs have reached an advanced stage and that the match is highly likely to take place on the date pencilled in for the potential Australia match.

The FA are also expected to play a friendly in the Caribbean against Trinidad and Tobago in early June.

A friendly against the USA would inevitably lead to hopes that David Beckham would play for England in order to boost interest in the match in the States.

If Beckham is not picked by England manager Fabio Capello for the friendly against France in Paris later this month then the May date would be the next opportunity for the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder to win his 100th cap.

Capello said recently that Beckham would be part of his plans if he is match fit and playing well.

The France game takes place before the start of the Major League Soccer season so Beckham will only have had pre-season matches under his belt.

The last time England played the USA was in a friendly in Chicago in May 2005.

Kieran Richardson, now at Sunderland, scored both goals for England and Clint Dempsey, currently playing for Fulham, netted for the home side.