Donovan: American great or great failure?

Landon Donovan knows better than anyone that his steps into the history books of the United States national team on Wednesday will do nothing to silence his detractors.

Barring unexpected incident, the 26-year-old will claim his 100th international cap at the sport’s most famous venue, the modern incarnation of the hallowed site that is Wembley Stadium. It will be a fitting reward for a player who has served his country with pride and productivity since 2000 and who tops the all-time national goal-scoring charts with 35.

Yet there are many who are unprepared to give Donovan any credit, preferring to pillory him with accusations that he fails to deliver on the big occasion.