United States players are confident ahead of their World Cup opener against England despite key injuries to top defender Oguchi Onyewu and 20-year-old forward Jozy Altidore.

"Things are starting to click," US goalkeeper Tim Howard said. "We're very excited and have a positive spirit."

Altidore, who sprained his right ankle last week in a workout, is the most experienced forward on the American roster, with nine goals for 25 caps, as well as the youngest US player.

He is also of Haitian heritage, just like Joe Gaetjens, who scored for the United States in 1950 in a 1-0 World Cup shocker over England. Altidore's flamboyant footwork might yet help a US repeat bid on Saturday in Rustenburg.

"It seems like he's getting a little bit better," Howard said. "We've still got a long way to the game in terms of needing time to heal. I think he'll be fine, but again that's barring any setbacks."

Onyewu played only once for AC Milan before tearing his left knee patellar tendon last October in a US draw with Costa Rica. After a seven-month layoff, he returned on May 25, playing 65 minutes in a 4-2 loss to the Czech Republic.

Since then, Onyewu played in the second half of a 2-1 victory over Turkey and entered in the 61st minute in a 3-1 victory last Saturday over Australia.

"I'm feeling better since the camp started. There haven't been any issues. I'm feeling good," Onyewu said.

Whether he starts against England and how long he plays are key unknowns as US coach Bob Bradley has worked "to move him along appropriately."

"It was smart to take things in steps with me. I feel confident. I don't think that I've shown in the last two games any signs of weakness. I will just have to wait until next Saturday and see."

Howard sees the US blackliners as "moving in the right direction" and Onyewu adds, "It's coming together well. Everyone is starting to jell as a team."

"Come England we will be more than prepared," vows US midfielder Stuart Holden. "Everybody will be ready to go."

Edson Buddle, Major League Soccer's leader with nine goals for Los Angeles and named after Pele (Edson Arantes do Nascimento), scored twice on Australia and together with speedy Robbie Findley could shine in place of Altidore.

"It builds a lot of confidence. I'm proud of myself," Buddle said of his first two international goals.

Howard liked what he saw from the other end of the field.

"Everything Edson touches is a goal," Howard said. "Edson and Robbie have both played fantastic. Those guys are exciting for us. It's really important everyone is clicking and those guys are."

Findley's speed helped push veteran forwards Brian Ching and Eddie Johnson off the squad for South Africa.

"We've come out and showed some good stuff," Findley said. "It's just taking these steps forward and getting ready for next weekend."

Herculez Gomez, who scored 10 goals in lead the Mexican league last season, could be a frontline factor as well. So might Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan, although the veterans are expected to see most of their time as midfielders.

England offers superstar striker Wayne Rooney, lanky Peter Crouch and the English can push up Steven Gerrard if needed, although they will be without captain Rio Ferdinand after a knee injury suffered in practice.

"They are all very strong characters," Howard said of the English players. "As the week goes on they will be fully prepared."

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