England's national soccer team will play in the United States for the first time since 1993, facing the Americans on May 28 at Soldier Field in Chicago and Colombia on May 31 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
The United States, likely to have most of its top players available, will be preparing for World Cup qualifiers on June 4 against Costa Rica in Salt Lake City and June 8 at Panama.
"The trip will be an excellent learning experience, as well as a unique chance to increase interest in English football among the American public," England Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said.
England captain David Beckham and forward Michael Owen, who play for Real Madrid, are likely to miss the exhibition games. Real Madrid is scheduled to play its final Spanish League game of the season on May 30.
Other top English players could miss the tour if Liverpool or Chelsea reach the final of the European Champions Cup, scheduled for May 25 in Istanbul. England's top midfielder, Steven Gerrard, plays for Liverpool. Defender John Terry and midfielder Frank Lampard are with Chelsea.
Following the U.S. tour, the English will play at Denmark on Aug. 17 and then World Cup qualifiers against Wales (Sept. 3) and Northern Ireland four days later.
-- From News Services
