As England gear up for their World Cup showdown with the USA, three American pioneers recall the prejudice and scepticism that greeted their arrival on our shores... John Harkes, Roy Wegerle and Cobi Jones on playing in the UK

The American influence in English football has never been greater. Four of the big six Premier League clubs are US-owned. So are Fulham and most of Crystal Palace, part of Aston Villa and almost half of Leeds.

At Elland Road, where Wisconsin-born Jesse Marsch is in charge, they spent £25million on Brenden Aaronson, a 22-year-old from New Jersey hailed as the 'Medford Messi'.

Christian Pulisic, the most expensive American player, has won the Champions League and Club World Cup since joining Chelsea for £58m.

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