Tim Howard has played more number of games
Tim Howard has played more number of games at the international level than any other goalie in the history of American Football.
There are not too many goalkeepers who have been more consistent than him playing in the English top tier over the last 10 years or so, as reflected in a poll of bet365 mobile users.
But, right now, there’s no place for him in the starting XI of the American national team, and he is in the squad for the upcoming two games, but, as an understudy to Brad Guzan.
Howard took an indefinite break from international Football post last year’s World Cup.
The 36-year old remained on sabbatical for almost 12 months before making himself available again recently.
It was thought he would drafted into the squad straightaway for all his experience and would even be handed a start versus Peru.
While, he indeed got picked, Jurgen Klinsmann, the America boss, made it very clear right at the announcement of the squad that whatever reputation Howard might have earned, he will have to warm the bench as it’s Brad Guzan now who is settled in the role of the first choice goalie of the side.
Addressing the media, Klinsmann said, “The Mexico game is just around the corner and I don’t think this is the right time for us to think about changes especially to the key positions. So, Brad’s out first pick at the moment and Tim’s second in the pecking order as he has not played any game for us for a long period of time.”
“Let us get done with Mexico game first and then there’s always the case of trying and splitting the time between the players. But, at this point of time, we are trying to be consistent with the personnel that we are picking.”