Klinsmann seeks global blend for USA World Cup challenge

Players based outside of North America, including Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Geoff Cameron (Stoke), Tim Ream (Bolton), Jonathan Spector (Birmingham), Onyewu (Sheffield Wednesday) and Eric Lichaj (Nottingham Forest) will all hope to make the final squad cut.

Former AC Milan, Sporting Lisbon and Newcastle United star centre back Onyewu will be desperate to make the squad, following years of injury trouble and loss of form. On his day, the 31-year-old is a quality player and, if fit, Klinsmann has stated he will be picked.

Recent call-ups Clarence Goodson (San Jose Earthquakes), Beasley’s clubmate Michael Orozco and youngster DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle), meanwhile, will not give up on a World Cup ticket either.

Germany-born Jermaine Jones (Besiktas) played in 12 qualifiers in total and will definitley go to the World Cup as a starter. Michael Bradley (Toronto), son of former national coach Bob, will likely partner him in midfield.

Country top scorer (57) and second most capped (156) legend Donovan (LA Galaxy) will occupy a position further forward, either out wide or behind the striker. The 32-year-old managed 12 goals and 11 assists in 27 MLS appearances in 2013, and will be crucial to the USA’s hopes.

Other players battling it out for a place on the plane include Mikkel Diskerud (Rosenborg), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht), Brek Shea (Stoke), Maurice Edu (Philadelphia Union), Graham Zusi (Kansas) and Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake).

Leading the line will be Sunderland flop Jozy Altidore. Despite just two goals in 35 club appearances this season so far, the 24-year-old has an impressive record for his country, and former side AZ Alkmaar. He has 21 goals from his 67 caps and is a 200/1 Golden Boot chance.

His strike partner will be national captain and recent centurion Dempsey (Seattle), with the former Fulham forward sitting just behind Altidore.

Newly capped Julian Green (Bayern Munich), who has chosen to represent the country of his birth rather than land of his mother Germany, has a chance to make the final squad. The exciting attacker is a real coup for the USA and has been earmarked as a football prospect for the future.

Meanwhile, Aron Johannsson (AZ), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose), Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna) and squad veteran Eddie Johnson (DC United) hope to make the 23-man squad.