English Offer U.S. $25,000 as Incentive

LONDON — England’s Football Assn. on Monday offered the U.S. national soccer team $25,000 if it beats England in an exhibition Sept. 7.

The FA made the unprecedented move because it said it wanted to ensure a competitive match at Wembley Stadium as England begins its preparations for the 1996 European Championships.

Alexi Lalas, one of the U.S. team’s World Cup stars, said a cash incentive is not needed.

“We’ve beaten England before and we can do it again,” said Lalas, now playing for the Italian first division club Padova.