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We’ll learn a lot more about the U.S. national team on Saturday, when they take on Germany in Chicago. We should see what head coach Mauricio Pochettino thinks for his starting lineup, which I’ll discuss below, and get a preview of what we can expect during the tournament.
I’ve sifted through an avalanche of your questions on 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)
MB: I think we will learn it against Germany. After Sebastian Berhalter played 60 minutes and started alongside Tyler Adams, I expect we’ll see a different starting lineup on Saturday.
I guess we see Weston McKennie next to Adams. McKennie came on as a substitute in the second half against Senegal and played in midfield alongside Christian Roldan. I think we’ll see McKennie in this role from the start against Germany.
If that happens, I see Malik Tillman slotting into the starting lineup.
Weston McKennie captained the United States in the second half against Senegal. (Photos by Robin Alam/ISI via Getty Images)
I’m biased because it’s a position I’ve played, but midfield is where you take control of the game. This part of the field makes everything easier, whether it’s supporting the defense or helping the offense. The midfielder sets the tempo.
Adams and McKennie were part of the much-praised midfield trio that played well in the last World Cup with Yunus Musah. To have two of those three available and fit is huge.
Adams may not have the armband, but he is the captain of the group. When McKennie is on the court and at his best, which he is, the team has a different bounce. They have known each other since they were children and are leaders in their own right on the field. Tyler is more demanding, communicative and expressive, while Wes is a leader who leads by example and makes big, momentum-changing plays. You won’t see some of these things on the stat sheet.
The experience of playing together is invaluable. They can cover the ground incredibly well, but Adams’ reach allows McKennie to pick and choose his moments ahead, so as not to hamper his attacking traits.
Their balance and understanding is very valuable, and I hope we see the start of their World Cup journey together on Saturday against Germany.
Q: Pepi looked great against Senegal. Would you restart it against Germany?
— @john.cie7
Mo: Pepi looked good and I was happy to see that. He started the match and was one of my highest rated players against Senegal. Having another real option as a striker is great, especially one who is fit.
Even though Pepi impressed me, I expect to see the USA’s best starting lineup against Germany. This means Folarin Balogun would start as the number 9 ahead of the World Cup opener against Paraguay.
Q: Who should be the starting goalie?
– Ethan Armstrong (@edogmoney8)
Mo: Matt Freese will be the starting goalkeeper at the World Cup. That said, Matt Turner made a real case for getting this role back. He closed the gap between himself and Freese.
Turner made a few key saves against Senegal, including one on star winger Sadio Mané, during his 45 minutes. He also has World Cup experience having started in 2022, which could help his case. Chris Brady, who was the presumed third-string goalkeeper, played the second half against Senegal.
Especially going into a big tournament, I would like to know who the starter is. I like the idea of competition, but I want to know who is #1. That’s not to say the substitute isn’t competing and isn’t capable of stepping in, but I wanted to make that clear going into a tournament.
The second goal against Senegal was a lack of understanding between Brady and the defense. Having an understanding and experience between the goalkeeper and the defense, having continuity, it’s a relationship that we really want to rely on.
Clarity also goes a long way.
If I play central defense, I want to know how my goalkeeper plays to know how aggressive I should be. If a ball is sent 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, it’s him. That’s not to say Brad Guzan wasn’t pushing him and wasn’t capable. The chemistry and relationship Howard had with his defenders was so valuable. They knew Howard’s voice deep down.
Q: Isn’t Trusty a better option than Ream?
-Tyler Holland (@tyler.j.holland7)
Mo: I have to say that I have been really impressed with Trusty in his last two appearances for the national team. He has won trophies this season with Celtic in the Scottish Premier League, and that confidence really shows.
Trusty put himself in a good position to start on the left side of a back three on June 12.
Q: Who will be the dark horse of the USMNT?
– José Cadena (@jose313078)
Mo: Defender 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 joined Villarreal in La Liga in January, has a clear opportunity to show it at the World Cup as a starter in defense.
Alex Freeman started and impressed in defense for the United States against Senegal. (Photos by Robin Alam/ISI via Getty Images)
Another player I’m going to eliminate is winger Alex Zendejas. Some may have seen his inclusion on the 26-man roster as a surprise, but not me. He comes into the tournament in incredible form at club level for Club América in Liga MX (Mexico) and gives the United States a different option in the final third.
Q: Can this team win more than one match in the round of 16?
– Brody Howell (@brody_howell94)
Mo: The simple answer is yes.
Is there any guarantee this will happen? Of course not. Nothing is. Hell, a win against Paraguay is not guaranteed.
That said, I fully believe in this group’s ability to put themselves in a position to do more than any men’s team has done before. This means winning several matches in the round of 16.
