Independence day, July fourth: All-time Premier League USA XI
Since the year 1776, commonly perceived to be on July 4th, the USA have celebrated the Declaration of Independence, after separating themselves from the British Empire and forming a new nation.
Every year since that famous date, they have commemorated their colonial unification and named the much-lauded occasion Independence Day. So, to mark our American cousins’ national day, Coral writers have picked our all-time USA XI in the Premier League era.
The Stars and Stripes are also preparing themselves for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup, which they are co-hosting, and you can back them at a tempting 13/8 price to win it.
Goalkeeper: Brad Friedel
Now aged 44, goalkeeping legend Friedel has finally pulled the curtain down on his illustrious career, after spending his twilight years for Tottenham.
He began his spell in England with Liverpool, after previously having trouble gaining a work permit while on loan with Newcastle United. Since then, he made his name at Blackburn Rovers, even scoring a goal for them, before moving on to Aston Villa and ending his career at White Hart Lane.
Right back: Geoff Cameron
Versatile defender Cameron was snapped up by Stoke City from Houston Dynamo, and played a key part in the Potters’ ninth-place finish last term. His club’s summer deals have looked promising so far, and they are 11/1 chances for a top six finish next term too.
Centre back: Oguchi Onyewu
Onyewu is a well-travelled defender, having played for the likes of AC Milan, Sporting Lisbon, Malaga, FC Twente, Metz and Standard Liege, but has spent spells in England with the likes of Newcastle, QPR and Sheffield Wednesday.
Injuries have perhaps hindered his career, and his most recent stint with Charlton Athletic has now ended after limited game-time.
Centre back: Carlos Bocanegra
Stars and Stripes centurion Bocanegra played for just one club in England, but represented Fulham over 100 times across five season, become a fan favourite.
Left back: DaMarcus Beasley
Another 100-plus capped USA star, Beasley only had a brief spell with Manchester City (12/5 title chances) on loan, but is much-heralded for his nation, having played in four World Cups for them.
Right wing: Landon Donovan
Now retired Donovan is perhaps the most famous player to have represented the USA, and he has the most goals, assists and second-highest amount of appearances for them. He spent the majority of his career with LA Galaxy, but had two successful spells on loan with Everton.
Centre midfield: Claudio Reyna
Reyna is another former Man City player, having played for them for four seasons, after representing Sunderland, and became a cult hero in the blue half of Manchester, despite suffering from injuries.
Centre midfield: Jermaine Jones
Jones only had a short spell in England, playing for Blackburn on loan in 2011, but spent most of his career in the country of his birth Germany for Schalke. He went on to earn three Die Mannschaft caps, but changed his allegiances to the USA, who he is now a half-centurion for.
Left wing: Eddie Lewis
Former Fulham, Preston North End, Derby County and Leeds United left-footer Lewis clearly loved life in England, and was voted Player of the Season whilst at the latter in 2006/07.
Support striker: Clint Dempsey
Dempsey is arguably the best American outfield player to have crossed the Atlantic shores, and he spent the majority of his career with Fulham. He got better with age, though, and earned himself a move to 6/1 top four chances Spurs, before moving back to his homeland with Seattle Sounders.
Striker: Brian McBride
Fulham was certainly a popular destination for American stars, and target man McBride was another that enjoyed a long spell here. Prior to that, he played for Preston and Everton on loan, but ended up captaining the Cottagers.
