As steady as a rock, that is Tim Howard.
The USMNT starting goalkeeper and one of its most accomplished players in history, the Everton netminder has been with the US senior squad since his debut in 2002.
He was the backup for a number of years, sitting behind Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller for a few years before being installed as first-choice goalkeeper by Bob Bradley in the 2007 Gold Cup final, and he never looked back.
Howard began his club career with the New Jersey Imperials and New York Metrostars before he caught Manchester United’s eye in 2003. Howard started under Sir Alex Ferguson for for three years before losing out to the legendary Edwin van der Sar. United’s trash was Everton’s treasure, and Howard has been in Merseyside since signing in 2006.
Having had both international and club success, Howard is without a doubt one of the most successful American players in the country’s history, and he remains the anchor that holds the squad aground, lest they drift out to sea.
However, Howard’s age is slowly becoming a concern, if only by number alone, and once in a blue moon moments of sluggishness give US fans pause to think about the future.
MORE: USMNT player profiles
Full name: Timothy Matthew Howard
Age: 35
Position: Goalkeeper
Caps/goals: 98/0
Club: Everton
Best moment in a US shirt: Tim Howard has had a long, storied career in net for the US, and as it is for most goalkeepers, consistency is a bigger indication of success than one or two moments. However, his performance in the 1-1 draw with England in the first match of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa remains a stellar mark on his resume. He made a great save in a one-on-one situation with Emile Heskey, went full-stretch to stop a Frank Lampard howitzer just under the crossbar, and stood tall to one straight at him from Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Starter or squad player at World Cup? Tim Howard is the man for the US in goal, as he has been for the last seven years, unless injury or other unforeseen circumstances force him out. Starter, end of.