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We’ll learn a lot more about the U.S. national team on Saturday when it faces Germany in Chicago. We should see what manager Mauricio Pochettino thinks about his starting line-up, which I will talk about below, and get a look at what we can expect during the tournament.
I sifted through an avalanche of your questions from FOX Soccer’s Instagram. Here are the best and my thoughts on the team.
Q: What is the answer to the midfield problems we had against Senegal?
— Braden Griffin (@braden.griffin)
Mon: I think we will learn that against Germany. After Sebastian Berhalter played 60 minutes and started alongside Tyler Adams, I expect we will see a different starting line-up on Saturday.
My guess is we’ll see Weston McKennie next to Adams. McKennie came on in the second half against Senegal, playing in midfield alongside Christian Roldan. I think we will see McKennie in that role from the start against Germany.
If that happens, I see Malik Tillman coming into the starting XI.
Weston McKennie captained the USA in the second half against Senegal. (Robin Alam/ISI Images via Getty Images)
I’m biased because it’s a position I played, but midfield is where you gain control of the game. That part of the field helps facilitate everything, whether it’s supporting the defense or helping the attack. The midfield sets the pace.
Adams and McKennie were part of the midfield trio that was so highly praised and played well in the last World Cup with Yunus Musah. To have two of those three available and fit, that’s huge.
Adams may not have the armband, but he is the leader of the group. When McKennie is on the field and at his best, which he is, the team has a different bounce. They’ve known each other since they were kids and are leaders in their own right on the field. Tyler is more demanding, communicative and expressive, while Wes is a leader by example and makes big plays that shift momentum. You won’t see some of these things on the stat sheet.
The experience of playing together is priceless. They can cover ground incredibly, but Adams’ range allows McKennie to pick his moments forward, so as not to hinder his moves in attack.
Their balance and understanding is so valuable and I expect we will see the start of their World Cup journey together on Saturday against Germany.
Q: Pepi looked good against Senegal. Would you start him again against Germany?
— @john.cie7
Mon: Pepi looked good and I was glad to see that. He started the game and was one of my highest rated players against Senegal. Having another genuine option at striker is great, especially one who is fit.
While I was impressed with Pepi, I expect to see the USA’s best starting lineup against Germany. This means that Folarin Balogun would start at No.9 ahead of the World Cup opener against Paraguay.
Q: Who will be the starting goalkeeper?
— Ethan Armstrong (@edogmoney8)
Mon: Matt Freese will be the starting goalkeeper for the WC. That said, Matt Turner has made a real case to win that role back. He has closed the gap between him and Freese.
Turner made some key saves against Senegal, including one on star winger Sadio Mané, during his 45 minutes. He also has World Cup experience after starting in 2022, which could help his case. Chris Brady, who was the presumed third-string keeper, played the second half against Senegal.
Especially when I enter a big tournament, I want to know who the starter is. I like the idea of competition, but I want to know who the number 1 guy is. That’s not to say the backup isn’t competitive and capable of stepping in, but I wanted it to be clear going into a tournament.
The second goal against Senegal, it’s a lack of understanding between Brady and the defense. Having an understanding and experience between goalkeeper and defense, having continuity, that’s a relationship you really want to trust.
Clarity also goes a long way.
If I’m playing central defense, I want to know how my goalkeeper is playing so I know how aggressive to be. If a ball is played into the box, I want to know what to expect.
During my time with the national team, Tim Howard was always our goalkeeper. If he’s fit and available, he’s the guy. That doesn’t mean Brad Guzan didn’t push him and was capable. The chemistry and relationship Howard had with his defenders was so valuable. They knew Howard’s voice in the back.
Q: Isn’t Trusty a better option than Ream?
— Tyler Holland (@tyler.j.holland7)
Mon: I have to say, I’ve been really impressed with Trusty in his last two appearances for the national team. He won trophies this season with Celtic in the Scottish Premier League and that confidence really shows.
Trusty has put himself in a good position to start on the left of a back three on June 12.
Q: Who will be the dark horse for the USMNT?
— Jose Cadena (@jose313078)
Mon: Defenseman Alex Freeman. I still consider him a dark horse due to his age and 15 caps, but I think his potential is incredible. Freeman, who moved to Villarreal in La Liga back in January, has a clear opportunity to prove himself at the World Cup starting in defence.
Alex Freeman started and impressed in defense for the USA against Senegal. (Robin Alam/ISI Images via Getty Images)
Another player I would throw out there is winger Alex Zendejas. Some may have seen his inclusion in the 26-man roster as a surprise, but not me. He enters the tournament in incredible form at the club level for Club América in Liga MX (Mexico) and gives the USA another option in the final third.
Q: Can this team win more than one game in the knockout rounds?
— Brody Howell (@brody_howell94)
Mon: The simple answer is yes.
Is there a guarantee that it will happen? Of course not. Nothing is. Heck, a win against Paraguay isn’t guaranteed.
That being said, I fully believe this group is capable of doing more than any men’s team has done in the past. That means winning more games in the knockout rounds.
