A look ahead: Who should the USMNT call up vs. England?

The highly-anticipated USA-England friendly on May 28 is still a touch more than two weeks away but that doesn't mean we can't start thinking about it. Especially not when England manager Fabio Capello unveiled his roster for the match.

This leaves us with the obvious question of who will U.S. national team coach Bob Bradley call up for the friendly at Wembley? I wouldn't expect a roster for another week, but that doesn't mean we can't speculate.

Will Bradley factor in MLS matches? If so, Houston, FC Dallas, D.C. United and New England all have games on the same day or the day after. That would rule out the likes of Brian Ching, Kenny Cooper, Taylor Twellman and Michael Parkhurst (unless Bradley takes Cooper and Ching and calls it a wash for Houston and FC Dallas).

And what about Red Bulls head coach Juan Carlos Osorio's concerns about Jozy Altidore being fatigued? Will Bradley pass on Altidore in order to give him some rest, or will he call him in because he sees Altidore as a player who should have a key role in World Cup qualifying?

Here is the 18-man roster I see Bradley using for the England match:

GK- Tim Howard, Marcus Hahnemann

D- Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra, Steve Cherundolo, Heath Pearce, Jonathan Spector, Jay DeMerit, Eddie Lewis

M- Michael Bradley, DaMarcus Beasley, Freddy Adu, Maurice Edu, Kyle Beckerman

F- Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Jozy Altidore, Eddie Johnson

And the Starting XI? Here's my guess:

----------------------Altidore-------------------------

Beasley-------------Dempsey--------------Donovan

--------------Bradley---------Edu--------------------

Pearce-----Bocanegra-----Onyewu----Cherundolo

----------------------Howard-------------------------

A few thoughts on the roster:

Beasley has worked his way back to the point of being able to dress for Rangers and he could potentially see playing time in the UEFA Cup final. That tells me he'll get the call against England.

I would personally leave Altidore home and bring the Texas forwards of Cooper and Ching. Altidore doesn't need to go from NYC to England to Houston. He needs to rest up for the Olympics. That said, it will be up to Bradley to decide whether he thinks Altidore needs rest or needs to log minutes with the national team first team ahead of World Cup qualifying.

I also am not a big Eddie Johnson fan, but if he's healthy I can't see Bob Bradley not calling him in.

I swapped in Feilhaber for Edu. I can see Bradley leaving Edu back in order to give him some rest and give Feilhaber a look. I can see a Michael Bradley-Ricardo Clark tandem, though I'm still reminded of how much they struggled against Mexico when paired together. Forgot about Houston's mid-week game, which would likely rule out Clark. I'll go with Kyle Beckerman getting a call in and Maurice Edu getting a start. Feilhaber's going to the Toulon Tournament and his lack of first-team action likely rules him out of any of the upcoming friendlies.

What 18-man roster and starting lineup would you like to see face England? Share your thoughts below.

Comments

[kpugs]

I just want to see something close to a first XI. I loved being at USA vs. England in Chicago but the lineups on both sides--particularly ours--were somewhat disappointing. I want to see full strength (or near full strength) squads on both sides. Might be a bit too much to ask though, coaches have their jobs to do.

[Trex]

That is a STRONG starting XI! I like it. Except for Eddie Johnson. I'm done with him. I feel bad for Fulham because all US fans knew what they were getting. Unfortunately they had to waste a couple of crucial games by starting him to understand. Good thing they survived still.

[ag nigrin]

I hope Jozy stays home and helps the NY Red Bulls move up the table... he is going to be gone for the Olympics anyway and he is not needed against the likes of Barbados and Gautemala.... Besides he would just get bounced around by the Brits....As a result here is my line-up:

McBride (a special one off return to the Nats/or Ching)

Beasley-------------Dempsey----------------Donovan

---------------Bradley---------Edu---------------------

Pearce-----Bocanegra-----Onyewu-------Cherundolo

----------------------Howard---------------------------

[brian]

bb should call up anyone who he feels has a great shot at starting in wc 2010...as we face teams of englands caliber there, not in wcq. if we want guys ready for qualifying, save them for friendlies vs concacaf teams; they simulate a more realistic qualifying game (ie putting 8 guys behind the ball). altidore, adu, etc...maybe not beasley since hes just come back from injury.

[stencom1]

Ives, Beasley? Not yet. He shouldnt be on the roster let alone starting.....Needs games before you throw him in this match-up...

[Eric]

I'd like to see Spector in there somewhere. Primarily because he will be familiar with most of the players he's facing.

Honestly, I'd rather have him out left, even if it's to the detrement of the offense. Pearce would be the weak link in that defense, due to inexperience with the English players, and lack of playing time at Hertha.

I like the front 4, but might almost be inclined to put Adu in there over Beasley or Dempsey. Beasley likely won't be able to go the full 90...and, if Altidore is up top, he and Adu are very comfortable with each other.

Might cause some head-scratching, though, when half our attack force is two 18 year-olds.

[Brant]

My only recommendation would be to NOT call in the Olympic kids if you can help it (unless they're already playing in Europe). Pulling kids out of MLS for friendlies *and* the Olympics, on top of the qualifying they just finished, might be a bit much for them (and their teams) to handle...

[Tony in Quakeland]

Apparently you think Donovan's current form won't convince Bradley that he is actually the best forward in our pool...

[jcp]

There's no way Eddie Johnson deserves to play. Heck, Jemal Johnson of MK Dons of League 2 (or 3?) might be more deserving.

[Victor]

Do you think its to early to start Beasley again? I mean he did just come back from a major injury. How is his game time speed and conditioning?

[Don]

BB may ease beasley in for the last 30 mins or so. spector at LB is logical bc of experience. maybe something like this?

---------altidore----------
dempsey---adu-----donovan
-----bradley---edu--------
spector--boca--onyewu--dolo

[Shoshana]

Doesn't seem like Altidore's been on top form with RBNY and Adu outplayed him during Olympic qualifiers. I'd like to see him get a start, and put Dempsey up top.

[dano]

I dunno, Beas has been training since early April. He might get put in first half, then subbed for Adu, let Lando slide to the left side, Dempsey to the right and have Adu in the middle. You might see Altidore come on at the same time in that situation, if he doesn't start because BB is trying to limit his fatigue.

[Mighty]

Eddie Is done!!!!!!!!!!!! Bring Rodgers... we is much better!

[Mike22]

i dont see altidore or pearce starting. i would expect spector to be our LB and dempsey again as the point forward with donovan playing off of him. based on donovans form as a center forward, i dont think bradley will throw him out on the wing.

I hope that maybe we can see a bradley or even robbie rogers on the right wing. i'd like to see bradley in a more attacking role with clark and edu holding the center.

[nersson]

lawl, rest altidore, bring on McBride.
o hells yes.

[TCompton]

Well, England certainly isn't pulling any punches.

Obvious call ups will be Bocanegra, Cherundolo Dempsey, Donovan, Howard, and Onyewu.

I'd like to see more of Adu, Altidore, Bradley, Edu, and Spector.

I have no interest in Johnson anymore. He's as much of a let down as Quaranta has become.

Ching will probably get a call up and I wouldn't be surprised if Chicago's Rolfe gets a shot too.

Also, just to provide depth, I wouldn't be surprised if Lewis gets to sit on the bench.

[goldenboy]

If BB watched Donovan play as of lately, he would know that he needs to be forward, and Dempsey needs to play behind him with Adu. I hope EJ and TT don't get the call, we have better talent than that.

[TheCoreSpeaks]

I'd love to see Cooper get a call over Eddie Johnson. Provides a big, skillful target player that has shown some killer finishing instinct, all things Johnson lacks.

[Zerk]

I would definitely go with Bradley and Clark. Edu has done nothing this year....Clark is a wrecker and can play ball as Bradley can too.

Also, I think it some R&R time. Rogers looks flat out sick in MLS this year. Let Beasley get into the thick of things again before a call-up.

[pequot war]

landon donovan blows as a winger....

[jrnail23]

To echo Tony in Quakeland, I think Donovan's recent goal scoring form dictates that he play up top, where he can focus on putting the ball in the net. Unfortunately that probably means we have to stick Dempsey out at right wing again, in an empty bucket 4-4-2.

Or, it could be Dempsey & Donovan up top (also in an empty bucket 4-4-2, with Jozy on the pine to start, and someone else filling in on the right (maybe Beasley, since that's where he apparently plays for Rangers -- of course that means we have to find someone to play on the left). Man we really need Convey to find his game sometime soon (or we need to naturalize some decent wingers)!

[seven]

I think Bradley should take a pass on Edu. He's a near lock for the Olympic team & Toronto has games on May 21, 24, 27 & 31.

[calbeers]

Landon Donovan actually has played pretty well as a winger in the last two USMNT games. There's no way Bradley plays on the wing, either. That's ridiculous

[hokie soccer fan]

i'm for robbie rogers too. maybe not this game but he's gotta figure into the team soon.

i watched him tear some mls teams up last year and he's continuing again this year.

[4now]

Feilhaber > Clark
Cooper > Johnson

____Altidore___Donovan______
Beaz_________________Dempsey
_____Bradley___Spector______
Pearce________________C'dolo
______Bocanegra_Onyewu______
__________Howard____________

Possible 2nd Half Subs:

Adu for Donovan
Lewis for Beaz
Cooper for Altidore
Demerit for Boca

[4now]

p.s.
rogers is the new twellman

[Tim Crawford]

I think Kenny Cooper may be the #1 or #2 forward in this country right now. It's up to Jozy to make him 2, but otherwise, Kenny has all of the tools and has had good MNT performances before his injury. He looks like he's back on form from the bit I've seen too.

[Alex]

Ives, these US call-ups also serve as Euro-showcases for MLS, no? Have to think keeping the Altidore price high for Europe will mean he gets a call-up. Cooper deserves a call-up at least based on form. How many US games has Ching been called for and not played because of injury? Have to make sure he is healthy. Bottom-line the team is geared for Donovan, so whoever he works best with will probably be the way to go up front.

Please leave Rolfe at home, and MLS got their money out of Fulham so let EJ watch from his apartment in West London. I like your Edu and Pearce picks. Cherundolo is a solid lock, although Specter is quality too.

[FC Uptown]

Give Cooper a shot!

[Austin]

will this game be in hd since its on Espn classic>?

[kco]

Who's this Eddie Johnson guy? Is he any good?

[Michael]

Given that we play in Spain just a week later, is it reasonable to assume that he may call in a squad for both games, and so that no MLS players miss club matches, he uses a purely European line-up for both of those games and calls in MLS guys for the Argentina game before starting a camp for WCQ?

[Joey]

I'm not sure what Feilhaber's done recently to deserve even a bench appearance at Wembley. He couldn't crack the lineup of the worst EPL squad in history, squandered an interesting opportunity with Maccabi Tel Aviv, yet still thinks he's a $1m+ player. Until he shows something on the field again, I don't know why Bradley owes him anything. Maurice Edu is the anti-Feilhaber, he works hard, comes to play, and doesn't have such an attitude problem. Edu deserves the opportunity to play at Wembley in that kind of atmosphere.

[Dominghosa]

No HAD on ESPN Classic...
As far as the team goes, I'd echo many statements on here. No Beas on starting lineup, try Donovan up top with Cooper. (no Rolfe up top with Donovan, that's two similar players, it won't work.)
Though if Donovan plays up top, I could see Bradley calling up Ching for that Donovan-Ching magic pairing.
I think we all wish McBride was born three-four years later. The USMNT still desperately needs his services.
A Clark-Bradley pairing in center looks very weak to me. That pair did nothing before.
I, too, would like to see Spector before Pearce. And can't wait to see Neven Subotic there in the next year. (Hopefully).
Would love to see Altidore called up, but don't see it happening. Adu should get the call though.

[Chris]

---------Altidore---Cooper--------

--------------Donovan-------------
Beasley-------------------Dempsey
--------------Bradley-------------

Spector-------------------Cherundolo
-------Bocanegra----Onyewu---------

--------------Howard----------------

Bench: Simek, DeMerit, Convey, Clark, Adu, Ching, Guzan

[Dominghosa]

that's no HD in ESPN Classic

[Spencer]

Beasley won't start, he will be a second half sub. You'd have to be dumb not to start Spector considering that the England team is an all EPL team. Since Spector has that experience he definitely deserves it. Ching is done, he can't produce at that level anymore. Heck he can only score on an empty net, he hasn't shown anything that makes us think he is in the top 15 of US strikers as of late.

[Cameron]

----------Cooper---------------

----------Donovan--------------
Beaz--------------------Dempsey
------Bradley----Boca----------

Pearce---Onyewu---Spector---Dolo

------------Timmy---------------

[ag nigrin]

Ives - Does this freindly fall on a FIFA approved International Game Day?

[Dave]

--------Altidore---
-----------Donovan---

---Beasley---Adu-----Dempsey

-----------Bradley---------
Spector--Boca---Onyewu---Cherundolo
------------Howard

[Don]

Let Jozy rest and Beas get back in shape. Although I'd love to see Rogers and Edu, let them stay in N.A. for their teams and play mostly the Euros. I'm also starting to wonder if Soumare may not earn an opportunity in the near future. Can Adu play the left? IF so,

Starters..

-----Cooper------Donovan-------
Adu---------------------Dempsey
Bradley---------Clark
Pearce---Gooch----Boca----Dolo
------------Tim-------------

[Ted]

With the way Houston is playing, I wouldn't hold my breath on Rico, Holden, or Ching getting a call. Rico is obviously the one who would most likely get the call, but that sad attack needs Holden and Ching right now, and a trip halfway around the world won't help.

Feilhaber will get called. He got called for Poland when he wasn't even making the bench, and since then he has seen playing time in three or four consecutive games.

Johnson will get called too, though I would leave him in favor of Cooper.

What I want to see:

GK: Howard, Westberg

DEF: Dulo, Gooch, Boca, Pearce, Spector, Subotic, Soumare

MID: Beasley, Bradley, Edu, Adu, Feilhaber

FOR: Donovan, Dempsey, Cooper, Altidore

Ives' lineup is probably close to what Bradley will call.

Cameron: Boca at D-mid, interesting. I know both he and Spector have played significant minutes there, and if Rico and Edu are left home, then one of those two could start there.

[jahuff]

Chris I like your line up, but I would also like to see this

--------------Cooper----Donovan---------
--------------------Adu-----------------
Beasley--------------------------Dempsey
--------------Bradley---Clark-----------
Spector-----Onyewu-----Bocanegra-Dolo

It could turn out that Adu, Donovan, and Cooper could play well together. You get size, speed, and creativity from this group

[jahuff]

That should be a Bradley/Clark, oops!

[JD]

jahuff,

I think you're spot on (though I'm not sure about Spector on the left.... )

I also think that this game will be huge for ADU. He had the Youth World Cup last year, I'll say he puts on a similar show this summer in this series of friendlies.

[Drew]

Dempsey is not a forward!!!!!!!

[Kev]

--------------Altidore-----------
Beasley-------Donovan--------Dempsey
-------Bradley--------Adu-----
Spector--Bocanegra--Onyewu--Cherundolo
--Howard----

That is the lineup that will win us the game and should continue for World Cup qualifying.

Bench: DeMerit, Pearce, Lewis, Feilhaber, Convey, EJ, Hahneman

[Dave]

I'd also like to see Spector, but idk if he's fit. Also I'd imagine we'll see benny either starting or off the bench as Bob probably feels its important to showcase Benny in an effort to get him to a squad where he plays...

[Larry]

IMHO, there is zero!! point to this game unless the US brings its A-team. That does not include Johnson or Feilhaber and does include Edu, Altidore and Clark.

[B-Ville]

If I were Coach Bob I would call in

G: Howard, Guzan, Seitz

D: Gooch, Bocanegra, Cherundolo, Pearce, Spector, Subotic*

M: Donovan, Bradley, Rogers, Adu, Szetela, Clark, Beasley, Holden, Edu

F: Altidore, Ching, Dempsey

* I would beg Neven to finally accept the US

Guys I would not call in because they are going in the wrong direction: Eddie Johnson, Benny Feilhaber, Bobby Convey

[Mark]

Toronto, LA, Columbus, RSL, and Colorado all have cup games on the 27th. Will that change who Bob calls in?

[Joamiq]

I don't really want to see Jozy called in for this match, and there's no way in hell I want to see him alone up top. That kind of treatment is what is wearing him down. Playing him alone up top would result his getting the crap knocked out of him. I would much rather see Cooper and Ching. Let Jozy rest.

[jamezyjamez]

Ives - that is our best starting XI (and I believe will be in 2010) with the only question mark being Feilhaber. Luckily we have so many options at that position that we should figure it out with 2 years to work on it. I like Adu as a supersub due to his speed and versatility.

[Adebyor]

Some great posts.

I think what Feilhaber is owed is a chance to stay in the top flight following Derby County's relegation. This game will be a good opportunity for him. But I agree- if we're putting our best case 11 on the field, Benny is watching from the sidelines if not the stands. [Does this logic also apply to Bobby Convey and Marcus Hahnemann?]

I agree with the posts calling for Robbie Rogers to get a look.

Kev@2:46 posted what I think is probably our best lineup for any match although I wonder if Altidore can be a target-man up front. I think Jozy is better served as a striker with Chingy/Cooper etc as the center-forward.

Good post on the Spain question-- Ives, do we know if the US will callup 1 roster for England (May 28 in London) then a second for Spain (June 4 in Santander)? Will they hold a camp through the second match? Also, consider Argentina on June 8th at Giants Stadium! One has to assume that the US will be picking almost entirely from European players whose season's have ended for the England/Spain matches.

Then a best available team for Argentina.

[Mike]

Feilhaber has NO business getting a call-up.

How on earth can someone who has sat on the bench (or not even made it on the bench) for the WORST team in Prem. history play for our National team?

[Beckster]

Feilhaber has no business being called up and is seems that will be the case since he was just announced for a u23 tournament. Beasley is a big "if" not having played in 6 months. I think you have to at least call up Convey and then watch the two of them to see who does better - or you could go with Edie Lewis. I can't imagine why anyone would looking at Edie Johnson.

[ButtaHead]

ROLFE!!!!!

[Peter]

Someone mentioned it earlier, but Feilhaber was seeing playing time by the end of the year. In the game against reading he played the entire second half (almost got himself a goal off a header as well!).

[ConMan24]

agreed Larry...these games are the most important, other than Mexico, in our current schedule(yes one could argue Barbados, but lets be serious), he must bring our A+ squad and right now and 18 guy roster would look sumthin like this:

GK: Howard, Hahnemann
DF: Cherundolo, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Pearce, DeMerit, Spector
MD: Dempsey, Beasley, Bradley, Edu, Clark, Lewis
FW: Donovan, Altidore, Cooper, Ching

-----------------Howard

Cherundolo---Onyewu----Bocanegra----Pearce

Dempsey----------Bradley----------Lewis

----------Donovan-------Beasley

-----------------Altidore

[brentmcd]

How can you seriously say that these European FRIENDLIES are more important than a WORLD CUP QUALIFYING match against Barbados??!? I don't care if we're playing St. Lucia, you've got to get a result in the first leg or you're going into a hostile environment with a World Cup berth on the line. Stranger things have happened in soccer....

[brentmcd]

ok, maybe not a world cup berth, but if you lose then you watch south africa from home. far-fetched i know, but i'd almost guarantee bradley brings his a-team for the barbados match on june 15

[Thom]

Poor Fulham... They stayed up but pissed away 6 million they could badly need to improve on EJ. That one could come back to haunt Roy the Savior.

[juke]

Bradley should choose an all-Euro player based team and this will enable him to evaluate the pluses/minuses of each player. Either the player(s) in question have it or don't have it to compete at an international level. The players need to show up or have Bradley use the ax.

[Pride of DC]

You've got to start E. Lewis for the first 45 at least. See if he cant whip in a cross or nail another free kick...not to mention he knows the opponent.

-------Alitdore----

--------------Adu--------------------

Lewis---Bradley---Donnovan---Dempsey

Spector--Boca---Gooch---Dolo

------------Howard-------

[juke]

With LD, who knows if he'll show up. Beasley is just recovering to full health. Ching is in la-la land, and EJ hasn't shined. So what does Bradley do. He'll call all on these players, fit or not, in-form or out. It doesn't matter, the USMNT is too looslely structured and we will get the samo-samo, hot, tepi, or dull, display.

[kc]

WHEN does Bob have to decide who will be called in? When will the squad leave the states?

[jeff]

One person I'd really like to see get called in is Parkhurst though its highly unlikely as Bradley has always favored the Gooch-Boca pairing, even though I think a Gooch-Parkhurst pairing would be the best the US has to offer.

Altidore Dempsey

Beasley Bradley Edu Donovan

Pearce Boca Gooch Cherundolo

Howard

Bench: Johnson,DeMerit,Hanhemann, Convey,Adu, Lewis(unfortunately),Spector