USMNT
Who will be the captain of the USMNT for the Nations League? Tyler Adams returns to squad
The Bournemouth midfielder was named in Berhalter’s squad, but he has not played football since September 2023.
Tyler Adams has been called up to the United States Men’s National Team squad for the upcoming Nations League semi-final tie against Jamaica on March 21.
The midfielder, who currently plays for Premier League side Bournemouth, last stepped out on the pitch for a 20-minute substitute appearance for Bournemouth on September 27, 2023. He has been recovering from a recurring hamstring injury that has plagued the player for almost a year.
Adams has not played for the USMNT since the side lost to the Netherlands in the knockout stage in the Qatar World Cup: that game was back in December 2022.
What injury does Tyler Adams have?
Before moving to Bournemouth, Adams played for Leeds United; alongside Weston McKennie, Brenden Aaronson and under the guidance of Jesse Marsch, the USMNT-heavy side fell to a disappointing relegation. It was during the second half of the season where Adams was absent due to the first of his two hamstring injuries. He underwent surgery in March and missed the rest of the campaign.
Over the summer, despite his physical issues, Bournemouth paid Adams’ $25.5 million release clause and brought him south. After 6 months out, Adams came on as a substitute against Stoke City in the Carabao Cup in September. A month later he underwent surgery for the second time.
USMNT Nations League squad:
GOALKEEPERS: Drake Callender (Inter Miami), Matt Turner (Nottingham Forest), Ethan Horvath (Cardiff City)
DEFENDERS: Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Kristoffer Lund (Palermo), Mark McKenzie (Genk), Tim Ream (Fulham), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
MIDFIELDERS: Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis), Yunus Musah (AC Milan), Gio Reyna (Nottingham Forest), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo), Weston McKennie (Juventus)
FORWARDS: Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Josh Sargent (Norwich City), Tim Weah (Juventus), Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven)
Who will be the captain of the USMNT during the Nations League?
Given Adams’ injury absence, the captaincy of the USMNT has changed. Serie A winger Christian Pulisic has worn the armband as Adams recovered, and the side has seen a huge upturn in form, with positive results against CONCACAF sides.
The armband will likely remain with Pulisic as Adams is yet to be declared match fit by his club. If he plays, it will be his first action on the pitch in over 6 months and thus will require a huge period of adaptation to the elite level.
Berhalter’s side play the Nations League semi-final against Jamaica on March 21, with Mexico taking on Panama shortly after. The two games will be followed by a final and a third-place game on March 24.