England lose 2-0 to US - at football

ENGLAND'S sporting reputation took another nosedive last night when Graham Taylor's beleaguered footballers lost 2-0 to one of the novices of the world game, the United States, outside Boston, writes Henry Winter. At least it will take the heat off England's cricketers, 1-0 down in the Ashes series.

England's footballers have suffered at Uncle Sam's hands before - notably the 1-0 defeat during the 1950 Brazil World Cup - but yesterday's debacle in a friendly tournament has come at a time of national debate over Taylor and his team selections.

Last week's defeat in Norway, which seriously undermined England's chances of qualifying for next year's World Cup finals, was followed by calls for his resignation.

The Americans were well worth their win. England were in the US to help to promote 'soccer' to a sceptical public; unwittingly, Taylor's sorry squad may have managed just that.

Match report, page 40