US striker Jozy Altidore expects the best from scandal-hit former England captain John Terry in Saturday's World Cup matchup.

Chelsea defender Terry lost the captaincy after allegations of an extra-marital affair with lingerie model Vanessa Perroncel, the mother of fellow England international Wayne Bridge's child, was revealed.

With Rio Ferdinand, his replacement as captain, out of the tournament with an injury, Terry will be critical in shutting down US attackers such as Altidore, the 20-year-old who led US qualifying scorers.

"He's a great player and he reads the game well," Altidore said of Terry.

"It's going to be tough for whoever is going against him for sure."

US strikers will also have their hands full with England's goalkeeping, according to US keeper Tim Howard, an English Premier League veteran at Everton.

"They are very good," Howard said.

"I think they are in very good hands.

"David James has played the top level for a long time. He has played in so many big games. To criticise him or any goalkeeper is easy but you have to look beyond that and see how he works."

Robert Green and Joe Hart also earned Howard's praise, especially Green, of whom Howard said,

"He's steady. I admire goalkeepers who aren't flashy but who get the job done every week."

From his end of the pitch, Howard has concerns over England set pieces as well as the free-flowing headaches players like Wayne Rooney, Emile Heskey, Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard can present.

"If we give up too many wide free kicks and direct free kicks, we will probably get punished for it," Howard said.

"It's important we're solid on defence and not leave guys open one-on-one."

With concern over Rooney's temper potentially bringing a red card as it did in a 2006 World Cup quarter-final, US players have already been cautioned to watch their tongues and passions on the pitch.

"We've been warned, keep our emotions in check and watch our mouths," Howard said.

"We have a lot of respect for the referees. There won't be any problem from our end."

Altidore added: "It's a good warning for us, clean up the game a little bit and watch what you say."

Altidore and Howard, among nine US players from the English Premier League, spoke before leaving their training headquarters for Rustenburg and a date with destiny against England in two days.

"It has been good learning who we are going against," Altidore said of his time at Hull.

"It's going to be a different animal come Saturday but it has been good to learn a little about the players. It has done a lot for us."

Howard found himself toughened by his time at Manchester United and Everton.

"It has hardened me," Howard said.

"I was criticised a lot when I was over there and I bounced back. I have taken my lumps and gotten over it. It has been a resolute journey."

Altidore is back in practice from a right ankle sprain claiming good health, but when asked if he felt pain said only, "It's getting better for sure."

That could hurt US plans for attacking England's defence.

"We have to have a lot of movement and creativity," Altidore said.

"Hopefully we can have a lot of that at the right time and put on a good display."

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