Clint Dempsey Backs 'On Fire' Bobby Zamora For England

Dempsey, who confirmed that he could return from his ligament injury lay-off as early as mid-March, said: “I think Bobby is on fire at the moment. Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise that he didn’t go and play for Trinidad.”

The 26 year-old winger said that Zamora’s is "on fire" and described the striker’s decision to turn down representing Trinidad & Tobago as a "blessing in disguise" for England.
On the night Fulham enjoyed a famous win against UEFA cup holders Shakhtar Donetsk, Dempsey praised Zamora and his club manager Roy Hodgson.

“Roy Hodgson has done well," he said. "He has changed things around for us. The whole coaching staff and deserve credit and some of the key players have really stepped up.

"It’s great at Fulham. I have been here for three years and feel I have progressed each year on the pitch and my stats.”

Dempsey, a key player for the USA national team, said he is looking forward to meeting England in their first group match at the 2010 World Cup, on June 12 in Rustenberg.

When asked whether keeping Wayne Rooney would be the key to defeating Fabio Capello’s team, Dempsey said: “You have to focus on all the players. England have a very talented side and have more weapons than just one.

“We will have to play compact against England and limit the chances they create.”

“You know when you play internationally it is different then when you play in a club. It's about coming together quickly and getting on the same page. In club football, you have the whole year to focus together.

Dempsey declined to comment on England’s off the pitch woes following the announcement by Wayne Bridge that he was quitting international football, in the aftermath of a sex scandal involving his child's mother and John Terry.

“The Wayne Bridge thing is a crazy one but that’s an issue that England have to deal with," he insisted. "I don’t like to talk about anyone’s business.”

Dempsey added that he was focusing on his comeback from a knee injury.

“It’s going well, I am back running now. They project I will be back playing in mid-March," he said.

“I am looking forward to the World Cup. I have been fortunate in all my competitions. I was able to score at the last World Cup I was able to play well in the Confederations Cup. I have had good seasons since I have been here.

"I think I have been very consistent and hopefully I can take that form into the World Cup.”