Captain Steven Gerrard puts England into early lead against Americans in World Cup

Captain Gerrard puts England 1-0 up against US

RUSTENBURG, South Africa — Steven Gerrard has given England a 1-0 lead over an American team that had the edge in possession over the first 30 minutes of their World Cup game.

The England captain flicked the ball past goalkeeper Tim Howard in the fourth minute of the Group C opener Saturday at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

Glen Johnson’s throw-in reached Emile Heskey on the edge of the area and the striker tipped it through to Gerrard, who went around Ricardo Clark before beating Howard.

Jozy Altidore squandered a chance in the 19th minute when he made a poor connection with his head after rising above Ledley King to meet Landon Donovan’s cross.

England striker Wayne Rooney had a quiet start, coming close once with an overhead kick. England found openings in the U.S. defense whenever it attacked.