“A force to be reckoned with”

Brad Friedel believes America can be ‘a force to be reckoned with’ at the World Cup as he has warned England and Wales against their star men.

The former Tottenham goalkeeper, who has been named to three World Cup squads, has been capped 82 times by the United States.

And he tipped the current crop of American talent to impress in Qatar despite being drawn into one of the toughest groups.

Gregg Berhalter’s side will face England, Wales and Iran in the global tournament, with the United States looking to reach the knockout stages for the third consecutive World Cup.

The United States is brimming with talent in Europe’s top five leagues, and Friedel has revealed which ones they need to watch.

Speaking to talkSPORT on behalf of OLBG, Friedel, 51, identified USA’s dangerous ahead of their opener against Wales.

He said: “Weston McKennie, if he’s fit, because he’s taken a little hit, but he’s an exceptionally talented player in midfield.

“Yunus Musah is another one who is exceptionally talented in this position as well and Tyler Adams [Leeds midfielder] is very important for the United States with its energy.

“I think it is essential that we have players like Giovanni Reyna because he is a very good player.

“I also think it’s important that a player like Timothy Weah [Lille winger] is in good shape, he’s another who has had injury problems.

“Even if he doesn’t leave from the start and if someone like Luca de la Torre [Celta Vigo midfielder] is injured, then we are going to need players who provide a spark on the bench.

“Obviously Christian Pulisic too, he’s incredibly important to us.

« Sergino Dest [AC Milan right-back] also took a little hit so I’m just reading reports right now and not sure how bad any of them are so we’ll have to wait and see.

“But if everyone is fit then we can be a force to be reckoned with.

“Christian Pulisic is someone to watch in this tournament, then, as I mentioned, Giovanni Reyna, Timothy Weah, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams.

“There’s also Brenden Aaronson, he performed very well at Leeds United so he could have more than one breakthrough moment on the world stage.”

America kick off their World Cup campaign against Wales, before facing England on November 25 and Iran four days later.