Gregg Berhalter has some tough decisions to make as the U.S. aim to take another step towards qualifying for the knockout rounds
The U.S. men's national team will have to do something special to get a result on Friday. After a 1-1 draw with Wales that felt a lot more like two points dropped rather than one point gained, the U.S. now head into a clash with an England team that look like a juggernaut.
The Three Lions swept aside Iran 6-2 in their opener, making a statement right from the start: this group is theirs.
The USMNT enter this one as underdogs, and rightfully so. Few teams can go man-for-man against England, who boast one of the most talented teams in the world. They've been to the final four of their last two major tournaments for good reason.
However, the USMNT's World Cup fate may come down to their ability to steal a point in this game, or at least manage how much they lose by. A lopsided loss would be a catastrophe. as the group could very well come down to goal differential.
Entering the game, though, the U.S. have a number of lineup decisions. Three key players are on yellow cards, while two of those three are also just returning from injury. There could be changes at striker and in midfield. And, finally, maybe we'll find out what's really up with Gio Reyna.
With that said, here's a look at what the USMNT could look like against England:
GettyGK: Matt Turner
No doubt about this one; Turner isn't going anywhere.
He wasn't perfect against Wales, with his nervy late-game giveaway nearly costing the USMNT. The Arsenal goalkeeper also came within inches of keeping out Gareth Bale's penalty, but was unable to get more than a fingertip to it.
Still, Turner's shot-stopping will be a major asset against an England team that are certain to test the keeper more than Wales did.
AdvertisementGettyLB: Antonee Robinson
An unquestioned starter, Robinson's familiarity with England's team will be a big help.
He'll have faced almost all of England's players at some point in his career, so there won't be any real surprises down that left-hand side. Plus, with Christian Pulisic often dragging defenders in, Robinson's ability to push forward could certainly unbalance a shaky England defense.
Lock Robinson in as a no-doubter.
Getty ImagesCB: Tim Ream
How could you drop him after that performance against Wales?
Ream couldn't have been more solid in his World Cup debut, with the 35-year-old defender more than making up for lost time. He was incredibly steady and helped limit Gareth Bale to basically nothing in open play.
Add in his experience against English opposition and you've got a pretty easy decision when it comes to his starting spot.
Getty ImagesCB: Walker Zimmerman
Let's not overreact here. Yes, it was a bad tackle. Yes, it cost the USMNT points. But no, Zimmerman isn't getting dropped.
Zimmerman had a fine game aside from that one bad challenge, and every defender is due for a bad challenge every once in a while. It's unfortunate that Zimmerman's came when it did. So it goes.
He's still the starting centerback and is a safe bet to start against England.