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England were denied a victory in their opening Group C game against United States after a Robert Green error allowed Clint Dempsey to equalise Steven Gerrard’s early opener.

England were quick out of the blocks and took the lead after just four minutes through skipper Gerrard. The Liverpool midfielder was played in by Emile Heskey and flicked the ball past Tim Howard with the outside of his right boot. With the United States enjoying the lion’s share of possession following Gerrard’s goal, Fabio Capello brought on Shaun Wright-Phillips for the cautioned James Milner after just 30 minutes in an attempt to get a handle on the dangerous American right flank.

United States were level before half-time when England keeper Robert Green spilled a routine shot from Dempsey over his line in the 40th minute. Despite the American possession, Green had rarely been called into action and lost his concentration at the key moment. Heskey should have regained England’s lead in the 52nd minute but his shooting failed to match his overall play. Having been played through by Aaron Lennon, his effort was hit straight at Tim Howard.

Green went some way to making up for his earlier howler by pushing Jozy Altidore’s shot on to the post after the American striker broke clear of Jamie Carragher. Wright-Phillips had England’s best effort of the second-half after cutting in from the left, but his shot was straight at Howard after being fed by Wayne Rooney, and moments later Heskey headed Gerrard’s cross over the bar. Frank Lampard came close to a winner late on after a swift England break but Oguchi Onyewu stole the ball away with a crucial tackle as the midfielder was about to shoot.

England must now get back on track with a win against Algeria on Friday, and might just have paid the price for underestimating a solid United States side.