We’ll learn a lot more about the U.S. national team on Saturday, when it takes on Germany in Chicago. We should see what head coach Mauricio Pochettino is thinking for his starting lineup, which I’ll talk about below, and get a look at what we can expect during the tournament.
I sifted through an avalanche of your questions from FOX Soccer’s Instagram. Here are the best and my thoughts on the team.
Q: Whats the answer to the midfield issues we had against Senegal?Â
â Braden Griffin (@braden.griffin)
Mo: I think well learn that against Germany. After Sebastian Berhalter played 60 minutes and started alongside Tyler Adams, Im expecting that well see a different starting lineup on Saturday.
My guess is that we see Weston McKennie next to Adams. McKennie came on for the second half against Senegal and played in midfield alongside Christian Roldan. I think well see McKennie in that role from the start against Germany.Â
If that happens, I see Malik Tillman slotting into the starting XI.
I’m biased because it’s a position I played, but the midfield is where you win control of the match. That part of the field helps facilitate everything, whether it’s supporting the defense or helping the attack. The midfield sets the tempo.
Adams and McKennie were part of the midfield trio that was so heavily praised and played well in the last World Cup with Yunus Musah. Having two of those three available and in form, that’s huge.Â
Adams might not have the armband, but he’s the captain of the group. When McKennie is on the pitch and at his best, which he is, the team has a different bounce to it. They’re known each other since they were kids and are leaders within their own right on the field. Tyler is more demanding, communicative and expressive, while Wes is a leader by example and makes big plays that shift momentum. You won’t see some of these things on the stat sheet.
The experience of playing together is invaluable. They can cover ground in an incredible way, but Adams’ range allows McKennie to pick his moments going forward, not to hinder his traits in attack.Â
Their balance and understanding is so valuable, and I expect we’ll see the start of their World Cup journey together on Saturday against Germany.
Q: Pepi looked great against Senegal. Would you start him again against Germany?Â
â @john.cie7
Mo: Pepi did look good, and I was happy to see that. He started the game and was one of my highest-rated players against Senegal. Having another genuine option at striker is great, especially one whos in form.
While I was impressed by Pepi, Im expecting to see the USAs best starting lineup against Germany. That means Folarin Balogun would get the start as the No. 9 ahead of the World Cup opener against Paraguay.
Q: Who should be the starting goalkeeper?Â
â Ethan Armstrong (@edogmoney8)
Mo: Matt Freese is going to be the starting goalkeeper for the World Cup. That said, Matt Turner has made a real case to win that role back. He has closed the gap between him and Freese.
Turner made some key saves against Senegal, including one on star winger Sadio Mané, during his 45 minutes. He also has World Cup experience after starting in 2022, which could help his case. Chris Brady, who was the presumptive third-string keeper, played the second half against Senegal.
Especially entering a big tournament, I would want to know who the starter is. I like the idea of competition, but I want to know who the No. 1 guy is. That’s not to say the backup isn’t competing and capable of stepping in, but I wanted it to be
