Should Tim Howard to return to USMNT? – Yes.
American hero Tim Howard has expressed his interest of returning to international duty for the United States Mens National Team having taken a hiatus after his World Cup exploits in Brazil last summer. The 36-year old Everton goalkeeper said he wanted a rest and to spend more time with his family, but is now ready to get back to work.
“I spoke to coach Klinsmann, and we have had open lines of communication.”
However, it won’t be an immediate return, and says he will wait until the conclusion of the Gold Cup.
“After the tournament finishes… I will make myself available for selection.”
More from CONCACAF
- USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
- Soccer in North America: A Battlefield Against Racism and Xenophobia
- The Inter-American Cup returns in grand style, promising thrilling clashes among the best in the Americas
- USMNT defender Auston Trusty moves to Sheffield United
- 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Where’s the squawking about the ball?
Howard could be back between the sticks by September, when the US play a friendly against
Brad Guzan has been first-choice since Howard left the set-up, and will be unwilling to give up the gloves too quickly having been understudy for so long. But it is clear Guzan is the long-term choice once Howard eventually retires, something Howard said he would seriously consider after the World Cup in 2018.
Therefore, it will be an interesting sub-plot, to see who Klinsmann will select as his number one. Guzan has been the main man since the World Cup, and Howard cannot be given a starting place full-time without proving he can still cut it. Nick Rimando seems to have nailed down the third place spot on the depth chart and there are few other goalkeepers also in contention.
Guzan struggled in the shock semi-final loss to Jamaica and many fans on social media voiced their desire for Tim Howard to return to the national team fold. They are probably right.
No disrespect to Guzan, he too is a Premier League keeper. But he doesn’t appear to inspire his defences in the same way as Tim Howard. Howard has charisma, experience and the right skills. Howard has always been first choice at club level too while Guzan has had to battle for starting spots having been benched by Tim Sherwood at times last season.
But, he has age against him despite the current idea that goalkeepers get better with age. By Russia 2018 Howard will be 39; and very few players are still playing internationally at that age. However, to his credit Tim Howard is a phenomenal athlete and is in a great place to extend his career.
Oh, and also another thing against him. Jurgen Klinsmann. The unpredictable manager did of course kick Landon Donovan out of the national team and drop Jozy Altidore numerous times; as well as make surprising selection decisions – Ventura Alvarado has hardly been stellar in his USMNT games.
Howard is well respected, and a sporting national hero. Obviously this does not make him immune – Donovan is the best example of even how the mighty can fall. But he has a proven track record and a great chance to take his position back in the fallout of the Gold Cup defeat.
If he returns, the USMNT gets one of its poster-boys back and with that, a hell of a fighter and confidence to go with it. This will also help sort the defense out – arguably the weakest area on the team right now is that are of the field.
It is not a pressing issue, but an interesting one made more poignant by the Gold Cup defeat. Only Klinsmann has the power to decide who is the number one – but it will come down to Brad Guzan versus Tim Howard.