Donovan hopes 10-week Everton loan will keep him sharp for US World Cup campaign

Donovan hopes Everton will keep him sharp for WCup

LIVERPOOL, England — American midfielder Landon Donovan has begun his 10-week loan at Everton as he prepares for the World Cup.

The Los Angeles Galaxy star is at the Premier League club during the Major League Soccer offseason, and U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard has helped him settle in.

Donovan said Tuesday that “going into a World Cup year this experience will keep me sharp.” The Americans play England on June 12 in South Africa in their group opener.

Donovan was speaking to the club Web site after the worst snow in decades in northern England forced a news conference to be canceled.

Manager David Moyes hopes Donovan’s ability to attack can help a team that has 26 goals in 19 matches and is in 11th place.