SARGENT’S MAJOR WARNING
USA star Josh takes aim at England in World Cup
JOSH SARGENT has England in his sights after signing off for Norwich with a goal.
The USA forward’s seventh-minute strike (below, right) was not enough to stop the Canaries tumbling to defeat as Boro hit back through Riley McGree and Matt Crooks.
But it was perfect preparation for the nine-goal American ahead of World Cup showdowns with the Three Lions, Wales and Iran. England take on the US on Friday week in the second round of the Group B fixtures and Sargent, 22, has promised Gareth Southgate’s boys a hard time.
He said: “It’s pretty big! I know there is history between us and it will be a really good match when we come up against each other.
“We have a very young group of guys who are very confident and we know that whoever we come up against we are not going to shy away from how we want to play. We are going to bring loads of energy and it should be a good match.”
Sargent lashed past fellow countryman Zack Steffen – controversially left out by USA coach Gregg Berhalter – after Kenny McLean had set him up.
McLean is one of a number of Scots in the Canaries camp and Sargent revealed Norwich loyalties would be divided for the England clash.
He said: “Half of them are saying they will be happy if I score against England and half of them not so we will see.”
McGree will also be heading for Qatar on a high after smashing
Boro’s 64th-minute equaliser into the top corner. The Australia midfielder latched on to a Marcus Forss header with a first-time effort on the bounce from just outside the box.
He said: “It was there to be hit.
If you asked me to repeat it, it might take a while but it’s one of those ones where I felt confident, took it on and it paid off.”
McGree, 24, now has Group D clashes with France, Tunisia and Denmark to look forward to. He said: “I can’t wait to get out there. The most important thing was three points but now my attention shifts.”
Sub Crooks converted
Chuba Akpom’s cross from close range (below) in stoppage time for
Michael Carrick’s side, who are now just four points off the play-offs, while Norwich are fifth – but were still booed off at the end by their restless fans.
Boro have now won three of their last four under Carrick, who succeeded Chris Wilder last month. “It’s been great so far,” added McGree. “It’s been almost three weeks with the new gaffer in charge.
“There’s a great calmness in the group and it’s something to build on
– we show what we’re about.
“People are told to express themselves, to have confidence and to play free within the system.
“So the boys are going out there with the belief that they’re going to score goals, play well, get cleansheets, make saves.”