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Gold Cup 2017: 5 questions facing the USMNT

By Michael Harshbarger

SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 29: Head coach Bruce Arena of the United States looks on during pregame warm-ups prior to their match against Serbia at Qualcomm Stadium on January 29, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 29: Head coach Bruce Arena of the United States looks on during pregame warm-ups prior to their match against Serbia at Qualcomm Stadium on January 29, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images) /
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BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 11: Eric Lichaj of Notts Forest in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest at Villa Park on September 11, 2016 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 11: Eric Lichaj of Notts Forest in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest at Villa Park on September 11, 2016 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

4. Can Eric Lichaj finally establish himself as a USMNT regular?

Defender Eric Lichaj hasn’t seen much national team action since the 2011 Gold Cup. On the club side, the 28-year-old has been a mainstay in defense for Nottingham Forest in the English Championship since 2013.

Many USMNT fans have been calling for his return to the squad for years. Outside back has been a trouble spot for the Yanks seemingly forever. Lichaj has continually improved in England. Why wasn’t he being called in?

The chorus for his inclusion intensified after Lichaj was chosen by Forest supporters as the club’s Player of the Season in May. Arena finally made the now obvious decision, including the defender in the preliminary 40-man roster before making him a member of the final 23-man roster for the Gold Cup.

Now it’s up to Lichaj to take advantage of this opportunity. He appears in line to start at right-back as his main competition for the position is Toronto FC’s Justin Morrow and Sporting KC’s Graham Zusi. Zusi, a converted midfield, is experienced, but has never seemed a viable long-term option on the right side of the defense.

Many U.S. fans will hope, at the very least, that Lichaj can take Zusi’s spot as DeAndre Yedlin’s backup.

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