USA Copa America 2016 Predicted Lineup: Probable Starting 11 for the USMNT
For the first time in their history, the United States of America will host the Copa America and given their final squad – that boasts of a mixture of young blood and experience – they have the chance to really show the world how much they've improved in the last decade.
Under the guidance of Jurgen Klinsmann, the USMNT finally have a style associated to their gameplay as well as players who are capable of making it in the big leagues across Europe. There are players who have played in the English Premier League for a long long time, as well as in the Bundesliga and others.
A host of players from the Major League Soccer have also been called up underlining the league's growing quality. Youngsters from the MLS are regularly getting the chance to play with the first team and Klinsmann is calling them purely on credit.
For the Copa America, however, the USMNT are going to have to be ruthless given the likes of Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Uruguay are pushing with full-strength squads. Lionel Messi, Alexis Sanchez, Luis Suarez and co are all representing their country in the competition. Will the USMNT actually handle it?
Maybe it's finally time for the team to stand out in a way. Being the strongest dark horses might just do the trick.
Here's how the USMNT are likely to line up for the Centenario:
Goalkeeper
Jurgen Klinsmann has called up three goalkeepers for the tourney with two former Premier League stars making the cut. Former Everton keeper Tim Howard obviously makes the list. He's been the Toffee's go-to-keeper for all but last season and will, sadly, switch the Premier League with the MLS this season.
Aston Villa's Brad Guzan also makes the list but having been relegated with West Midlands club this season, hasn't the highest of chances to making it into the first team. Tim Howard is an automatic starter as well given his time on the bench.
Ethan Horvath, meanwhile, is the goalkeeper who is likely to start for his country. He made 23 appearances for his club, Molde, this season even playing in the UEFA Champions League qualifier and UEFA Europe League. At 20, he's at the right age to experience a major tourney and one that could potentially call out future suitors.