According to reports, the US Men's National Team is making plans to visit England for an international friendly this fall, adding another high-profile match to the calendar as the program opens a new era in the wake of its failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
The big-match reports could directly impact Columbus Crew SC's young duo of USMNT 2018 call-ups: captain Wil Trapp and goalkeeper Zack Steffen. Forward Gyasi Zardes has also been a regular in USMNT action with 38 caps (30 starts) and six goals since 2015. Trapp has captained two USMNT matches this year — earning wins in his third and fourth caps against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Paraguay. Steffen was also capped in both matches so far in 2018, guiding the Red, White and Blue to victories.
In news originally reported by Goal.com, U.S. Soccer confirmed on Sunday that a USMNT vs. England match in November is being finalized, at an English venue still to be determined. The occasion would pair with a US friendly vs. Italy that same month, a game that has been announced by Italy but not yet officially confirmed by the USSF.
For the Three Lions, the match will serve as a warm-up for a UEFA Nations League match vs. Croatia on Nov. 18. Meanwhile, the Stars & Stripes are expected to have hired a new head coach by that point, who would use the friendly to begin the rebuilding process with an eye towards the 2019 Gold Cup and possibly Copa America, as well as the road to 2022 World Cup qualifying.
The USMNT are already scheduled to host Bolivia in a friendly at Talen Energy Stadium, home of the Philadelphia Union, on Memorial Day in May, and will visit Ireland and France for pre-World Cup friendlies in June.
The US and England have not faced off since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where they drew 1-1 in a group-stage match before the USMNT won Group C by virtue of their last-gasp victory over Algeria. The last time the US visited the Three Lions for a game was a friendly in 2008.
As a finale to this week's Greener Goals campaign, the Black & Gold will sport a special-edition jersey this weekend, returning to MAPFRE Stadium on Saturday, April 21 to host New England Revolution with a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff. These match-worn jerseys will be auctioned off after the match on Saturday.Enjoy half-off select beer (for supporters 21+), Pepsi Products, Brats and Pretzels from when the gates open through the 15th minute as Columbus Crew SC returns home for Half-Price Night in a clash of Major League Soccer Eastern Conference originals. Plus, supporters will receive a free Cell Phone Fitness Armband, presented by OhioHealth (while supplies last).
