J.R.
5-28-05, 6:49 PM
In his first ever game with the English national team, Kieran Richardson started for The Three Lions in Chicago, because several regulars have yet to join the team in the United States yet. He made the most of the start, scoring just four minutes into the match. Then he scored again 40 minutes later to lead England to a 2-1 win over the host Americans in their first of two international matches in the USA this week. They will play Columbia in New Jersey on Tuesday.
'A great feeling'
By Neil Martin. Saturday, 28 May 2005.
Kieran Richardson admitted that he could not believe that he had marked his England debut against USA with two goals - including one in just four minutes.
The Manchester United midfielder found the net with a beautifully flighted free-kick from the edge of the box, before adding a second before half-time.
USA fought back after the break and Clint Dempsey pulled one back, but Sven-Goran Eriksson's inexperienced side held on for a 2-1 win.
And Richardson said: "It's such an honour to play for your country and to score as well is great.
"To get one after four minutes was unbelievable. Before the game I was a bit nervous, but getting that goal really settled me.
"I really enjoyed it out there and it probably hasn't sunk in yet. It's a great feeling to score two goals and I can't really believe it."
Richardson eventually went off with a hamstring injury, but he is hoping to be fit in time to face Colombia in New Jersey on Tuesday.
http://www.thefa.com/NR/rdonlyres/622DA9B0-5492-44C2-A9C3-B16D237A5E3B/58685/Eng_vUSA_Celeb_L.jpg
Via TheFA.com (http://www.thefa.com/England/SeniorTeam/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2005/05/USAvEng_Reaction1.htm) .
'A great feeling'
By Neil Martin. Saturday, 28 May 2005.
Kieran Richardson admitted that he could not believe that he had marked his England debut against USA with two goals - including one in just four minutes.
The Manchester United midfielder found the net with a beautifully flighted free-kick from the edge of the box, before adding a second before half-time.
USA fought back after the break and Clint Dempsey pulled one back, but Sven-Goran Eriksson's inexperienced side held on for a 2-1 win.
And Richardson said: "It's such an honour to play for your country and to score as well is great.
"To get one after four minutes was unbelievable. Before the game I was a bit nervous, but getting that goal really settled me.
"I really enjoyed it out there and it probably hasn't sunk in yet. It's a great feeling to score two goals and I can't really believe it."
Richardson eventually went off with a hamstring injury, but he is hoping to be fit in time to face Colombia in New Jersey on Tuesday.
http://www.thefa.com/NR/rdonlyres/622DA9B0-5492-44C2-A9C3-B16D237A5E3B/58685/Eng_vUSA_Celeb_L.jpg
Via TheFA.com (http://www.thefa.com/England/SeniorTeam/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2005/05/USAvEng_Reaction1.htm) .