Jurgen Klinsmann has named a vastly experienced starting eleven for Friday night’s World Cup qualifying match against Mexico in Columbus, Ohio. The only real deviance from that formula is the inclusion of 18-year-old Christian Pulisic, but the Borussia Dortmund starlet was widely tipped to start tonight.
In the absence of Geoff Cameron, John Brooks and Omar Gonzalez will anchor the center of defense for the Americans. Fabian Johnson has been pushed into midfield, and DeAndre Yedlin will have to accept a place on the bench as Timmy Chandler will start on the outside of defense.
Jermaine Jones, just recently fit after a long spell on the sidelines due to injury, is a somewhat risky selection by Klinsmann, but the midfielder's aggression, talent and experience make him the starter alongside Michael Bradley.
Bobby Wood pairs with Jozy Altidore to lead the American attack.
Here is the #USMNT Starting XI for #USAvMEX, Presented by @ATT.#LineupNotes: https://t.co/D5bdmTdSAh pic.twitter.com/rR3X0yXT2t
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) November 11, 2016