The Everton goalkeeper has taken a year out from playing for the US national team.
Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has announced that he is to take a one year sabbatical from international duty, just a few weeks after starring in the World Cup in Brazil.
The New Jersey native, who made his debut for the US football team back in 2002, hopes to come back into the picture for the Stars and Stripes once his year out is complete.
Howard went to his third World Cup this summer, and stood out as the US emerged from a tough group to qualify alongside eventual winners Germany. In their last 16 defeat to Belgium, the goalkeeper made a record 15 saves to keep his country in the game until an extra time winner from former Chelsea midfielder Kevin de Bruyne.
The US Soccer federation released the following statement announcing the player’s intentions:
“Having played overseas for the last 12 years and missing out on spending time with my family, making this commitment to my family is very important at this time. I am grateful for the willingness of both [U.S. Coach] Jurgen Klinsmann and Everton Manager Roberto Martinez to afford me the opportunity to spend time with my kids. It’s the right decision at the right time. Jurgen has always been up front with all the players in saying you have to earn your place, which is something I agree with, so I look forward to coming back next fall and competing for a spot.”
Howard’s year away from the US team may inadvertently spell the end of his international career, with Brad Guzan having pushed the Toffees man hard for the starting berth in the last couple of years. The Aston Villa stopper will now be number one for the North American nation.
National team boss Jurgen Klinsmann has already said that Howard would need to prove he warrants a return to the squad.
“I totally understand Tim’s decision,” said the Spurs and Germany legend.
“I told him as long as he is the same Tim Howard that we always see performing well, he will be welcome back with open arms and right back competing for a spot.
“He knows that he has to prove that he deserves to be back.”
There is little doubt that Howard’s step aside from international duty will be a huge benefit to Everton, with the 35-year-old set to avoid the trips across the Atlantic to feature in friendlies over the next year, as well as next summer’s Gold Cup.
But it hasn’t stopped the former Manchester United player, who has 104 caps for his country, on dreaming on making the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
“Physically and mentally I feel as strong as ever,” he said. “I’m also 35 years old and it’s four years before the next World Cup. If I want to be able to get to the next World Cup, I also have to be smart about managing my body.
“I will get a bit of extra time off during the international windows, and this will also be the first real summer break that I have had in 12 years.
“Right now my heart, mind and body all say yes, but it’s difficult to predict the situation in four years.”
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