US president Barack Obama has backed his national side to see off the English in their opening game of the World Cup.
Obama, a long time football fan and West Ham supporter, arranged to meet the squad prior to the team’s fly-out to South Africa.
“It was a big thrill,†said West Ham’s US-born player Jonathan Spector.
The 24-year-old continued, “He wished us well. I guess 10-15 years ago it would have been unlikely that the US soccer team would have had a meeting with the President. He is a big sports fan.
He said: “There has been a bit of banter at the club since the draw was made. We will wait until we know the result until we really rip into each other.â€
The Group C clash between the two sides is set to take place on Saturday.
